Tampa Bay Executives Invited to Spend a Day with a School Principal on Nov. 6

Registration open for the eighth annual CEOs in Schools; placements are first-come, first-served

Tampa, Fla., Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tampa Bay business leaders are invited to trade the boardroom for the classroom on Nov. 6, 2026, at the eighth annual CEOs in Schools®. The one-of-a-kind initiative pairs executives with Hillsborough County public elementary school principals for an inside look at what it takes to lead and run a school.

Registration is now open through Oct. 31 at CEOsInSchools.com with elementary schools throughout Hillsborough County still available.

One day, a lasting impact

Participants spend a full day observing, learning and engaging with the entire school community to see what it takes to operate a school in the nation's seventh-largest district. They leave with a clearer understanding of the successes and challenges public schools experience. Many identify meaningful ways to partner, serve, advocate or help in other ways.

"One full day in a school can completely change how a business leader sees public education," said Brian Butler, President and CEO of Vistra Communications (Vistra), who founded the program in 2019. "You walk in with assumptions and walk out understanding both the opportunities and the real challenges our schools face. Those experiences spark partnerships that support students and build the future workforce of our community."

Why business leaders sign up

• See your future workforce up close. Today's elementary students are Tampa Bay's talent pipeline.
• Find the right way to help. Learn directly from principals what their schools need most.
• Build relationships that last. Many participants keep working with their school long after the visit.
• It is one day. It's a small time commitment with a big return for students and the community.

“CEOs in Schools gives business leaders a front-row seat to the creativity and hard work across our schools,” said Anna Corman, President and CEO of Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF). “The relationships formed through this program extend well beyond the event, strengthening the connection between our schools and the community.”

CEOs in Schools is presented by Vistra, HEF and Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS). Since the program began in 2019, it has hosted more than 1,000 CEO school visits.

"CEOs in Schools provides a unique opportunity for business leaders to see the innovation, dedication and impact happening in our schools every day,” said Van Ayres, HCPS Superintendent. “When community and business leaders spend time in our schools, they gain a deeper understanding of public education and the important role they can play in supporting student success."

Reserve your school today. Placements are first-come, first-served, and schools are filling quickly. Executives can register and choose a school at CEOsInSchools.com.

About Vistra Communications

Founded in 2007, Vistra Communications, LLC (Vistra) is an award-winning, integrated marketing, communications, and consulting agency serving corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations. Our mission is to help our clients reach their goals. We provide a broad range of customized solutions to our clients. Vistra is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in Lutz, Florida, with a second office in the Washington, D.C. area. For more information, visit ConsultVistra.com.

About Hillsborough Education Foundation

Every child deserves access to the best possible education — and the teachers, tools and trusted mentors they need to succeed. But today, this fundamental right remains out of reach for too many young people in our community. Hillsborough Education Foundation works to ensure every student in Hillsborough County receives an outstanding public education that equips them for a fulfilling future. By unlocking opportunities for students, investing in teachers, and strengthening public schools, we’ll make Hillsborough County Public Schools one of the best places to learn and teach, where 100% of students graduate with the ability to pursue anything they can dream. Learn more and join us at educationfoundation.com

About Hillsborough County Public Schools

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is the seventh-largest school district in the United States and one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay region, serving 200,000 students across 233 schools and educational programs. Through strong community partnerships, innovative learning experiences, and a focus on student achievement, safety, and well-being, HCPS works to ensure all students have access to the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. For more information, visit https://www.hillsboroughschools.org.

Jack Phillips
Vistra Communications
813-322-2590
jackp@consultvistra.com