Fractional CMOs in Tampa Making Things Happen in 2025

Tampa Interim Chief Marketing Officers to Know

Tampa is quickly becoming one of the most exciting hubs for business innovation on the East Coast. Known for its vibrant startup ecosystem, rising tech scene, and a growing community of small to mid-sized businesses, the city has embraced a future-forward approach to leadership—especially in marketing. As local businesses scale and evolve, many are turning to fractional Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) for strategic guidance without the full-time commitment.

At Digital Reference, we believe that professionals deserve to be seen for their real impact—not just the logos on their resume. We’re building a more authentic and transparent talent ecosystem, and fractional leaders are at the center of that mission. These are seasoned professionals who join companies at pivotal stages, helping them grow with strategy, clarity, and credibility.

This blog is our curated list of Tampa-based and Tampa-area Fractional CMOs—independent executives who are shaping the future of marketing across Florida’s Gulf Coast and beyond.

Our Methodology

We carefully selected this list based on the following criteria:

• Geographic Relevance: Based in Tampa or neighboring cities such as St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or Sarasota
• Service Model: Offers fractional, interim, or part-time CMO services to multiple clients
• Track Record: Demonstrated expertise in marketing leadership, brand development, or strategic execution
• Online Presence: Maintains a professional website or LinkedIn profile that reflects their work and value proposition
• Alignment with Digital Reference Values: Transparent, mission-driven, and focused on delivering real results

These are not just consultants. They are strategic partners embedded within growth stories.

Meet the Fractional CMOs in Tampa Making Things Happen

1. Kristen A. Seeley

https://kagency.us/fractional-cmo/

As founder of K Agency, Kristen Seeley leads a team that provides full-stack marketing support, with fractional CMO services at its core. With a deep background in growth strategy and communications, Kristen brings clarity and leadership to brands that are ready to evolve.

Why She Stands Out:

• Leads a boutique agency focused on strategy, branding, and digital execution
• Offers on-demand CMO services for companies at growth inflection points
• Focuses on building brands that are customer-first and metrics-driven

Kristen is the fractional CMO for businesses ready to scale without sacrificing identity or intention.

2. Vera Shafiq

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vera-shafiq/

A marketing transformation expert with experience across startups and enterprise, Vera Shafiq is known for her thoughtful, data-backed approach to marketing leadership. She specializes in helping companies align their tech stack, content, and messaging into a unified growth system.

Why She Stands Out:

• Background in data-driven marketing, SaaS, and customer experience strategy
• Passionate about balancing creativity with operational rigor
• Trusted by founders to lead both strategic planning and hands-on execution

Vera is a great fit for tech-enabled businesses that need scalable marketing foundations and forward-thinking brand leadership.

3. Beth Devine

https://devinedigitalmarketing.com

Founder of Devine Digital Marketing, Beth Devine brings decades of experience and a hands-on leadership style to her fractional CMO work. She has helped dozens of businesses turn scattered marketing efforts into coordinated strategies that drive measurable ROI.

Why She Stands Out:

• Specializes in SEO, inbound marketing, and website optimization
• Deep experience with small businesses, professional services, and local brands
• Known for being a teacher, advisor, and execution partner all in one

Beth is the fractional CMO for teams that want to understand their marketing and see it work.

Why Tampa Is Embracing the Fractional CMO Model

Tampa’s rapid growth has made it an ideal landscape for fractional marketing leadership. Businesses here are scaling quickly, often ahead of internal capacity. They’re innovating across industries—from healthcare and fintech to logistics and hospitality—and they need leadership that can match that pace without locking into traditional structures.

Here’s why the fractional CMO model works so well in Tampa:

• Startups and SMBs want C-suite-level leadership, but not always full-time
• Founders and operators are looking for strategic marketing minds to guide growth
• Budget-conscious teams need flexibility without compromising on quality
• The remote-first movement has broadened the access to top-tier talent

Tampa companies are smart, scrappy, and ready to grow. Fractional CMOs bring the expertise to help them do that without overextending their resources.

What Digital Reference Adds to the Conversation

At Digital Reference, we’re not just amplifying voices—we’re structuring reputation. Our platform empowers fractional professionals to:

• Build a verifiable portfolio of accomplishments
• Collect client references and success stories in one trusted place
• Show how they’ve actually moved the needle for businesses—not just claim it

The professionals on this list reflect our belief that the future of work is flexible, portfolio-driven, and radically authentic.

Final Thoughts: Tampa CMOs Are Fueling the City’s Next Chapter

From revitalizing local brands to launching national campaigns, the fractional CMOs in Tampa are more than just temporary executives—they’re architects of growth. They embed into organizations, mentor junior marketers, challenge stale strategies, and elevate messaging that actually connects.

Our curated list includes:

• Kristen A. Seeley – K Agency
• Vera Shafiq – Strategic Marketing Consultant
• Beth Devine – Devine Digital Marketing

Each brings a unique strength, but all share a commitment to:

• Strategic clarity
• Measurable impact
• And client-first partnership

If you're a founder, CEO, or business operator in Tampa ready to level up your marketing game, this is your starting point.

And if you’re a fractional CMO looking for a platform to showcase your work with transparency and structure, Digital Reference is here to help you do just that.

– The Digital Reference Team

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