Leadership in Action: Jamie Harden’s Ongoing Impact
At Creative Sign Designs (CSD), one of our core values is simple but powerful: We Positively Guide People. That mindset extends beyond signage—it’s at the heart of how we lead, partner, and contribute to the communities we serve.
We’re proud to share that our President and CEO, Jamie Harden, has been appointed Chair of the Florida State University College of Business Board of Governors, a role that reflects his lifelong commitment to purposeful leadership and service. As an alumnus of FSU’s College of Business, Harden brings both deep connection and future-focused vision to this opportunity to help shape the next generation of business leaders.
A Full-Circle Moment: A Legacy That Runs Deep
For Harden, this new role is more than an honor, it’s a full-circle moment grounded in family, purpose, and pride. FSU is where he met his wife, Melanie, also a College of Business graduate. His parents met on campus. And his father-in-law, Robert G. Turner, was a beloved finance professor and a 2020 inductee into the Charles A. Rovetta Faculty Hall of Fame.
Now, decades later, Harden returns to serve the institution that helped shape his life and career, this time as Chair of its leading advisory board. “To be part of that legacy and then to have this opportunity—it’s an amazing and tremendous responsibility,” he shared. “I feel fortunate to be surrounded by a group of leaders who are aligned for our continued success.” It’s this strong sense of legacy and positive guidance that continues to define Harden’s leadership not just at FSU, but across his business and community commitments.
A Track Record of Business and Community Leadership
Harden’s appointment at FSU is the latest chapter in a long history of leadership that spans both business and community. He has held prominent board roles with the Tampa Bay Chamber, the CEO Council of Tampa Bay, and the Florida Gold Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization, highlighting his dedication to collaboration, regional growth, and long-term impact.
Whether advocating for economic development, supporting fellow business leaders, or championing local partnerships, Harden has always approached leadership with a mindset focused on building stronger organizations and more resilient communities. This same philosophy continues to guide his work at CSD. Leadership is not just about setting direction, but about positively guiding people, empowering teams, and helping clients bring their environments to life through thoughtful design and execution.
Leadership Reflected at Creative Sign Designs
The same values that guide Harden’s community and board involvement—vision, accountability, and service—are deeply embedded in the culture at CSD. Since taking the helm as CEO, he has shaped the company into a business known not only for creative innovation, but for its ability to deliver with precision, integrity, and long-term partnership.
Under his leadership, CSD has evolved from a local signage provider into a trusted national partner, offering architectural signage solutions that merge design, functionality, and flawless execution. By building a team centered around the company’s core value to positively guide people, Harden has cultivated a client experience that goes beyond signs, it’s about delivering impact at every scale. From branded environments to large-scale wayfinding systems, CSD’s reputation is a reflection of a leadership style that believes in investing in people, building relationships, and consistently raising the bar.
Alumni Pride in Action: Beautifying the FSU Campus
Harden’s connection to Florida State isn’t just visible through his leadership, it’s also reflected in the physical fabric of the campus. Through CSD, he has helped shape key campus landmarks that leave a lasting impact on the student experience and the university’s visual identity.
CSD has partnered with the university on several high-profile projects, including signage for Doak Campbell Stadium and at Dick Howser Stadium. These projects go beyond wayfinding or branding, they contribute to a sense of place, pride, and tradition that defines the FSU experience.
In many ways, this partnership work reflects Harden’s broader commitment to the university: combining leadership and service with a desire to leave a lasting impression—both through the roles he plays and the environments he helps bring to life.
A Legacy Still in the Making
Harden’s appointment as Chair of the FSU College of Business Board of Governors is a continuation of a leadership journey defined by purpose, vision, and a commitment to long-term impact. Whether guiding teams at CSD, contributing to community organizations, or helping shape the future of his alma mater, his approach remains the same: lead with intention, invest in people, and create value that lasts.
For Harden, legacy isn’t just about what’s built—it’s about how it shapes those who experience it. And as both his leadership and partnership with FSU continue to grow, so does the lasting impression of that legacy.
