MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Feb. 26, 2019) – County Commissioners today unanimously confirmed Cheri Coryea as acting County Administrator. Coryea will become the County's Administrator on March 1. Coryea received two standing ovations from a room full of supporters inside the Patricia M. Glass Commission Chambers during today's regular Commission meeting. Commissioners commended her heart and leadership abilities before the vote.
"(Commissioners) have a tough job to do with difficult decisions to make every day for the 388,000 who live here," Coryea said. "I’m here to make the leadership transition the easiest part you have to do and to move things forward. "I’m here to earn the respect and trust of this Board and this community."
Commissioner Misty Servia said Coryea has already earned the Board's respect and trust. Retiring Administrator Ed Hunzeker added there is no one better to lead the County.
"I couldn’t be happier with the decision," Hunzeker said. "She has witnessed how we’ve managed the County and she will manage with her style... and keep things moving. There will be a seamless transition and we’ve worked diligently to make it happen."
She has 30 years of experience, including 28 in management with Manatee County. She served as interim County Administrator since 2017 and was Director of the Neighborhood Services Department for the past 10 years. Numerous people spoke on her behalf Tuesday, including former County Commissioner and current Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie.
"Cheri is an amazing individual. You’re not going to find anyone any better," Chappie said. "She’s moved up from the ranks and she knows all the players. She will do an excellent job. Not a single person who has worked with her can name something she’s failed at. You give her a job and she nails it with dignity, with honor and with heart."
Earlier in her career with the County, Cheri developed the Children's Services Fund from its inception in 1991 and helped it grow to its current annual budget of $15 million. She oversaw the two Community Redevelopment Area budgets of $2.5 million annually and oversaw the creation of the Southwest Tax Increment Financing District in 2014 Cheri has led the development of several key County initiatives including: the creation of the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDI), Health Care for the medically needy, Children’s Services Tax, Manatee Millennial Movement (M3), Community Development Block Grant, the formation of the Southwest Tax Increment Financing District, Rubonia Community Center renovations and the Norma Lloyd Park Development. Cheri also authored “Voices,” Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness<.
As Neighborhood Services Director, Cheri managed an annual budget of over $44 million including federal, state and local grants. She focused on building community relationships and interacting with the over 150 not-for-profit agencies, hospitals, and intergovernmental organizations that collaborate with Manatee County to serve citizens.
Cheri received the 2012 Tampa Bay Business Journal Business Woman of the Year (Government category) Award. She was the 2011 American Association of University Women – Manatee Chapter “Making Great Strides in Government” winner. She received the 2009 NAACP Government Humanitarian award and the Manatee Community Council for Children Child Advocate of the Year in 1997.
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