Tampa Bay, FL | February 19, 2026 – The Federal Republic of Germany has honored Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn E. Starkey with the German American Friendship Award, recognizing her long-standing contributions to strengthening German-American relations in Florida.
The award was presented by German Consul General Christopher Burger during the GACC South - Florida Chapter 2026 Kickoff at the Tampa Club. The official certificate was signed by German Ambassador Jens Hanefeld.
Commissioner Starkey was recognized for her leadership in building bridges between Germany and Florida, particularly through workforce development partnerships, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.
A Record of German–American Collaboration
- Workforce development & Apprenticeships: Initiated the Tampa Bay German Skills Initiative (2013), which evolved into AmSkills, a tri-county workforce development program modeled after Germany’s dual-education system. Commissioner Starkey continues to serve as Vice Chair and Board Member of AmSkills.
- Institutional Partnerships: Supported the Friendship City agreement (2021) between Pasco County and Germersheim, Germany, strengthening collaboration in education, tourism, and economic development.
- Youth Exchange & Industry Ties: Championed student exchange initiatives, the revival of internships post-pandemic, and deeper ties with German industry and training institutions, including a 2017 AmSkills delegation to Germany.
- Recognition & Leadership: Named International Person of the Year (2017) by the Tampa Bay Organization of Women in International Trade and serves in leadership roles with NACo and FAC to advance international workforce initiatives.
“Commissioner Starkey has consistently shown what long-term, practical partnership looks like,” said Tobias Borawski, Chapter Director, GACC South - Florida Chapter. “Her work connects people and institutions across education, workforce, and industry, and that impact is felt on both sides of the Atlantic.”
About GACC South
The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S., Inc. (GACC South) supports German-American business and investment across the southern United States through market entry services, business development, and high-impact convening.
GACC South also supports industry and educational partners in implementing the ICATT apprenticeship program, which is modeled on Germany’s dual-education system and benchmarked on German vocational training standards in cooperation with the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK). While several regional workforce initiatives may be inspired by the German dual model, ICATT is the official pathway through which GACC South issues DIHK-recognized credentials, supporting companies in building structured, work-based learning and sustainable talent pipelines.
About GACC South – Florida Chapter
The GACC South Florida Chapter connects the German-American business community statewide through executive-level programming, strategic partnerships, and regional networking. The chapter convenes leaders across business, government, and education to strengthen German-Florida collaboration, including dialogue and partnerships around workforce development and apprenticeship models that draw on German best practices.
Media Contact
Marketing & Communications Manager, GACC South