City of Sarasota Announces New Finance Director

From City of Sarasota:

With extensive experience in public finance, Kelly Strickland was promoted to Financial Administration Director becoming the first woman to fill that role in the City of Sarasota’s 100+ year history. She has served as the Deputy Finance Director since 2009 and replaces John Lege who recently was tapped to be the Assistant City Manager.

“I have the utmost confidence in Kelly after working with her and observing her knowledge, experience and work ethic,” said Assistant City Manager John Lege, who now oversees the Financial Administration Department on the table of organization. “The Financial Administration Department has significant responsibilities from preparing a complex $200 million annual budget to the management and oversight of City investments to employee payroll and procurements. With Kelly at the helm, there will be leadership and continuity.”

Prior to working for the City of Sarasota, Ms. Strickland served as the Interim Finance Director and Accounting Supervisor for the Martin County School Board in Stuart, Florida. She also was the Assistant Finance Director for the Alachua County Clerk of Courts.

“I am honored to be selected,” said Ms. Strickland. “The Financial Administration staff is a group of highly motivated and talented individuals whom I respect very much and am privileged to lead. I am very blessed to have this opportunity of a leadership position in a city as beautiful as the City of Sarasota.”

Ms. Strickland earned a Bachelor of Arts in accounting from the University of West Florida. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a Florida Certified Government Financial Officer. Last year, she was selected to participate in an inaugural leadership program offered by the Florida Government Finance Officers Association.

“Kelly has demonstrated the commitment, knowledge and skills necessary to carry the financial team forward,” said City Manager Tom Barwin. “With her vast experience, Kelly is uniquely qualified to step into this new role. We’re proud she’s the first woman to serve in this important Chief Finance Officer-type position, providing further diversity in our City government and continuing the legacy of excellence in the financial management of the City.”

For more information contact Assistant City Manager John Lege: (941) 365-2200, ext. 4104.

Photo courtesy of City of Sarasota