While she was not raised in Tampa, Nancy Seijas-Kipnis, a native New Yorker, has embraced our city, as if it were her own, representing many local and state initiatives with her communications prowess over the past 15 years. Seijas-Kipnis has worked on projects that have put their mark on Tampa Bay and span from downtown Tampa development projects, to arts and culture, culinary launches with nationally famed restaurants and celebrity chefs, as well as, national lifestyle brands. METRO had a chance to catch up with Nancy, who is always on-the-go — sharing Tampa’s most interesting news and making connections.
METRO: What is one of your favorite things about Tampa?
Seijas-Kipnis: We have amazing public art and a city that believes in the transformational power of public art. You can find examples of powerful design everywhere, and that has connected people, community and our surroundings.
METRO: What has made the biggest difference in downtown?
S-K: Pedestrians, a more walkable city, with Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and The Riverwalk. New residential buildings, restaurants, robust programing at cultural venues. Thanks to the pioneering work of Viniks’ Strategic Property Partners, the Water Street project will be a crowning achievement for Tampa.
METRO: What is your greatest love?
S-K: All things culinary. I see myself as a gastronome with an ardent interest in culinary history, culture, skills and talent.
METRO: What do you treasure?
S-K: I collect Twentieth-Century American Graphics, maps, and vintage cookbooks. One of my favorite pieces is a 1894 cookbook, The Epicurean, by chef Charles Ranhofer of Delmonico’s, the very first public dining room opened in the United States.
METRO: What has been Tampa’s greatest improvement in the last 15 years?
S-K: Our food scene. Tampa has incredibly talented chefs that are iconic to our region including Marty Blitz, Jeannie Pierola, Chris Ponte, Ferrell Alvarez, Greg Baker, just to name a few, yet there are so many others, some moving specifically to Tampa, such as Anne Kearney.
METRO: What’s one thing you look forward to in Tampa’s future?
S-K: Currently, Sparkman Wharf.
METRO: Favorite place to reflect?
S-K: I live on Harbor Island and love to sit on the docks and take the city in up close from a different perspective. Those docks are magical.
© Tampa Bay METRO Magazine and Blog by Metro Life Media, Inc.
