Chip Skinner

About Chip Skinner

Chip Skinner is an American businessman and community leader based in Florida. He is the President of Skinner Bros. Realty, a family-owned real estate company headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.

Skinner grew up in a family involved in small business ventures, including the founding of Twistee Treat Corporation in the Florida Keys. His early years were marked by frequent moves across Chicago, Kentucky, the Keys, and Cape Coral before settling in Gainesville for college. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Florida in 1992 with a minor in Secondary Education.

His professional background spans business, consulting, nonprofit leadership, and public service. He has worked in sales, marketing, copywriting, restaurant management, and fundraising. In addition to his role at Skinner Bros. Realty, he has served as a consultant for transportation and communications projects in Florida.

In 2024, Skinner was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority board, an unpaid position overseeing budgets, rates, projects, and intergovernmental relations for the city’s utility system.

Skinner is also active in youth sports. He co-founded Gainesville Area Lacrosse, Inc. (GALAXI), a nonprofit organization that promotes lacrosse in the community. He has coached middle school, junior varsity, and varsity high school teams, most recently leading Eastside High School’s boys varsity program.

Throughout his career, Skinner has balanced business leadership with civic engagement. His work reflects long-term involvement in Florida’s business community and local institutions.