Southwest Fla. & Tampa Bay Players - July 2009

Eric Basinger

» Eric Basinger, former executive director of the Elmore County Economic Development Authority in Alabama, has been appointed executive director of Manatee County’s Economic Development Council. He replaces Nancy Engel, who stepped down after 25 years.

» G. Andrew Williams has been named president and CEO of St. Petersburg-based Freedom Bank of America. He replaces Robert Blakley, the bank’s founder, who will remain a bank shareholder.

» Downtown Tampa’s $21-million Glazer Children’s Museum, expected to open by spring 2010, has hired Kristen Nieves as director of administration and Phil Manget as director of exhibits and design.

» Paul Avery, COO of OSI Restaurant Partners has retired. OSI owns Outback, Carrabba’s and Bonefish Grill.