Acting Manatee County Administrator Named By Commissioners: County

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners unanimously named Charlie Bishop as acting Manatee County administrator Wednesday during a special meeting.

He replaces acting administrator Lee Washington, whose resignation for personal reasons was also accepted by the board during the meeting, according to a news release from the county.

“Mr. Washington stepped up when we asked and did the job,” board chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge said. “And thank you, Charlie, for stepping up to serve the county as well."

At 18, Bishop joined the United States Air Force, where he earned his master's degree in public administration. After 20 years of service, and as a retired veteran, he found another way to serve, starting his career as a project manager and making a home in Manatee County.

In addition to his role as a project manager, he has served as the facilities services manager, infrastructure division manager, construction services division manager and, for nearly 12 years, the director of property management for the county.

Bishop was named deputy county administrator in August 2021 and is one of two people currently in that role.

“I’m honored and I appreciate the vote of confidence,” he told the board. “I want to thank (deputy administrator) Courtney de Pol, too. This is a team effort.”