Former Birmingham city official takes job in Florida: ‘We’re bringing hope’

Josh Carpenter, who filled prominent positions with Southern Research and the city of Birmingham, has joined a Florida cancer research organization.

Carpenter has been named president of Tampa-based Speros, and vice president and chief integration officer for the Moffitt Cancer Center.

Carpenter left Southern Research last December after heading the organization since 2021. Prior to that, he was the city of Birmingham’s director of innovation and economic opportunity, where he led workforce development, COVID recovery and business expansion.

Carpenter has been tasked to unite Speros and Moffitt’s clinical and research expertise with commercial partners “to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer prevention and treatment.”

Marty Lanahan, Speros Board of Directors chair, praised Carpenter’s ability “to launch large-scale initiatives, develop strategic partnerships and secure critical investments.”

Carpenter vowed to “build a place where science, technology and medicine unite to create a healthier future for all.”

“Speros is a derivative of a Latin word that means ‘to hope,’” Carpenter said. “At Speros, we’re bringing hope to cancer patients and their families. Hope for scientists on the verge of breakthroughs who need industry collaboration. Hope for physicians who want to integrate innovation into their daily practice. Hope for bringing quality jobs to Pasco County and securing Florida’s place in the global bioeconomy. Speros makes this hope possible.”