MANATEE COUNTY, FL (April 23, 2024) – The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) unanimously confirmed the appointment of Kate Barnett as the County government's new Human Resources Director today. Since June 2023, she has served as the department’s Interim Director.
"I'm extremely excited about the opportunity to be the next HR Director for the County," Barnett said. "Along with our team, our focus has been on employee engagement and determining how we empower employees to do Work that Matters—Every Day.”
Barnett has only been with Manatee County for three years, but in that short time, she has made a significant impact on those she serves. She is committed to continuous improvement and aligning HR initiatives to maximize employee engagement, productivity and retention.
Before joining Manatee County Government, Barnett spent eight years building a business which made an impact in the downtown district of Wheaton, Illinois, and was awarded Business of the Year for her community outreach initiatives. She is currently pursuing her Juris Masters from Florida State University.
"I do appreciate everything you do for us and how the employees look up to you," said Manatee County Commission Chair Mike Rahn. "Thanks so much for continuing to do what you do."