Manatee County Names Permanent Administrator

BRADENTON, FL — Cheri Coryea was unanimously chosen Tuesday as the permanent Manatee County administrator. Coryea, who had served as acting administrator, is the first woman to hold the post.

Prior to the vote, commissioners updated the job requirements for the position to consider work experience with Manatee County government as an alternative to a college degree.

"Everything she’s touched has turned out great," said county Commissioner Carol Whitmore. "She’s got the support of 1,700 county employees. If you really think she’s the best person, you should vote for her."

Former County Administrator Ed Hunzeker, who retired earlier this year, welcomed Coryea's selection when she was named acting administrator.

"I couldn’t be happier with the decision," Hunzeker said at the time. "She has witnessed how we’ve managed the county and she will manage with her style."

The unanimous vote by county commissioners came nearly three months after Coryea was appointed acting administrator in February.

Commissioners Stephen Jonsson and Misty Servia voted against changing the job qualifications, but they voted to approve Coryea as the permanent county administrator.

"I think Cheri is the best person for this job and my confidence level in her is 100 percent," Servia said.

County officials said Coryea has 30 years of experience, including 28 in Manatee County management. She had served as deputy county administrator since 2017 and was director of the Neighborhood Services Department for 10 years.

She developed the Children's Services Fund from its inception in 1991 and helped it grow to an annual budget of $15 million, according to county officials. She also oversaw two Community Redevelopment Area budgets of $2.5 million annually as well as the creation of the Southwest Tax Increment Financing District in 2014.

County officials said she led the development of several key initiatives including the creation of the Economic Development Incentive Program, Health Care for the medically needy, Children’s Services Tax, Manatee Millennial Movement, Community Development Block Grant, the formation of the Southwest Tax Increment Financing District, Rubonia Community Center renovations and the Norma Lloyd Park Development. She also authored “Voices,” a 10-year plan to end chronic homelessness.

For more information on Manatee County government visit www.mymanatee.org or call 941-748-4501.