Mike Suarez, District 1

Mike Suarez is a third generation resident of Tampa, with deep roots in West Tampa. After graduating from the University of South Florida with a Bachelors degree in Political Science and while completing work on a Master of Public Administration degree, Mike began working as an unpaid intern with Senator Bob Graham's office in Tampa. Within a few weeks he became a part time Staff Assistant and he eventually rose to take the Central Florida District Representative position in 1990. In his work for Senator Graham, Mike learned the finer points of serving the public interest.

In 1993 Mike left public service and began a career as an insurance professional working in several capacities. His 18 plus years in the business have included positions as a designer of insurance products for specific industries, insurance agency owner and currently as a producer and commercial risk manager for Insurance Office of America (IOA).

Prior to his election in 2011, Mike was involved with numerous local charities and professional organizations. He was the President of the Guardian Ad Litem Guild (renamed Voices for Children), served on the subcommittee for Urban Enterprises Initiatives and was Chairman of the Water Resource subcommittee for the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. He has also been a Board Member and past President of the Insurance Agents of Greater Tampa, a board member of the Centro Asturiano de Tampa and a board member of the Macfarlane Park PTA. From 1997 to 2004 Mike has helped select candidates to the U.S. Naval and Air Force Academies for Senator Graham and since 2005 for Senator Bill Nelson. He previously served the City of Tampa on the Civil Service Board and was Chair of the Equal Business Opportunity Advisory Committee.

Boards/Committes:

• Public Works Committee, Chair
• Finance Committee, Vice Chair
• HART, Board Member
• MPO, Board Member
• Tampa Historic Streetcar, Board Member

Mike has been married for 20 years to Laura Ankenbruck and they have three sons, Vincent, Anthony and Nicholas.