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We have seen so much growth the past few years in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Learn how both counties work together and what’s in store for the future of our region, as Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop and Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis present a look at their respective counties, including recent successes and what’s to come. Find out more about the work each county is doing independently, as well as together, in order to impact our region and build the framework for cultural and economic growth into the future.

Speakers

Charlie Bishop, Manatee County Administrator

Charles (Charlie) Bishop was raised to believe in his country as a third-generation military veteran. At the age of 18 Charlie joined the United States Air Force, while serving his country he also earned his master of arts degree. He retired after 20 years of service. Charlie then began to look for another way to serve his community. Charlie joined Manatee County Government in 2001 as a Project Manager, he made Manatee County his home.

Charlie built a career in Manatee County Government; he earned his Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification from the Project Management Institute in 2002. And from there he grew through education and experience, soon advancing to management. Over the years with Manatee County Government, Charlie has served as a Project Manager, Construction Services Division Manager, and for 12 years the Director of Property Management, in 2021 he was prompted to Deputy County Administrator and in September 2023 the Board of County Commissioners appointed him to County Administrator.

Jonathan Lewis, Sarasota County Administrator

Jonathan R. Lewis, ICMA-CM, was appointed County Administrator for Sarasota County in January 2018. Before his appointment to County Administrator, Lewis was the City Manager for the City of North Port from 2011 to 2017. He served as the Deputy City Manager of Palm Bay, Florida, from 2004 to 2011. Prior to that he served as the Assistant Town Manager for the Town of Belleair.

Lewis is a graduate of the University of South Florida, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He earned a Master of Public Administration from the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Florida. Additionally, he has completed the Senior Executive in State and Local Government Program at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

He is a Credentialed Manager (ICMA). He has served as President for multiple professional organizations including the Florida City/County Management Association and the Space Coast Public Management Association. He is currently the President-elect for the Florida Association of County Managers.