Josh Talkington

Chair

Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority

Josh is a seasoned communications expert with a passion for helping those in need, serving the underserved and using his journalistic skills to give a voice to those who often feel unheard. As a former journalist and business owner, Josh’s experience includes leading multi-cultural communications efforts across the country for large, multi-state organizations, nonprofit groups and minority-owned businesses focusing on underserved populations. He leads a large team of communications, marketing and consulting professionals at Vistra. A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Josh spent the first 15 years of his career working in television and radio. He has been a news reporter, anchor and radio host throughout the Tampa, Las Vegas, Nashville and Jacksonville media markets covering some of the biggest stories in the country including the 9/11 terrorist attacks, presidential elections and numerous hurricanes. He also helped launch video production companies, SnapShot Interactive in Nashville, Tennessee and Blue Dog Video in Daytona Beach, Florida. In 2012, with a desire to make a positive impact on underprivileged youth, Josh began working as an after-school program director and youth and college minister in Georgia. He served in that role for four years before moving back to Tampa to effect change and manage external relations with a national nonprofit involved in child welfare, juvenile justice and workforce development. Josh can be found regularly teaching public relations workshops and networking throughout the Tampa Bay area. He is also passionate about mentoring disadvantaged youth.