Laura Phillips Edgecombe
Facilitating places that support both individual and collective well-being while fostering a stronger, more connected Jacksonville.
With a degree from the University of Florida and more than two decades of experience in community development, placemaking, advocacy and built-environment production, Laura currently serves as Vice President of Urban Systems at Downtown Vision. A big-picture thinker and creative, versatile leader, she draws on a broad range of professional and community experiences to deliver meaningful, measurable results for partners, stakeholders and the broader community.
Named a JBJ Women of Influence 2024, Laura has a proven track record of: cultivating relationships with senior leadership across Jacksonville’s business, civic and philanthropic sectors; collaborating with stakeholders to shape successful programs, events and large-scale projects; communicating effectively across diverse audiences; maintaining deep civic and philanthropic engagement; and managing projects of all sizes from planning and development to production, execution and post-project assessment.
The Jacksonville community is central to Laura’s work and identity. She serves on the JAX Chamber Downtown Council Board as its current President and former Speaker Programming & Engagement Liaison. She is a Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2024 alumna, a JAX Chamber Hightower Emerging Leaders Fellow (Class V), a member of the Jacksonville Women’s Network and an Urban Land Institute UrbanPlan Facilitator. She is also actively engaged with ULI North Florida (Board of Advisors) and Gator Bowl Sports (Green Jacket).
A third-generation Jaxson, Laura prioritizes service to organizations that advance equitable quality of life for all residents. She donates her time and expertise to groups including Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park, Painting of the PawPrints, United Way of Northeast Florida, The Florida Theatre (Board of Directors), The American Cancer Society, UF Health, READ USA, Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, Pink Ribbon Jax, The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Blessings in a Backpack, Ritz Chamber Players, Jacksonville Venture Competition and Epping Forest Yacht Club (former Board of Governors).