Charles (Charlie) Bishop joined the United States Air Force at the age of 18, becoming a third-generation military veteran. While serving his country, Bishop earned his Master of Arts degree. After 20 years of service, Bishop began to look for another way to serve his community and joined Manatee County Government in 2001 as a Project Manager. In addition to both Project Manager and Construction Services Division Manager, he served as Director of Property Management for 12 years. Bishop was promoted to Deputy County Administrator in 2021, and in September 2023, the Board of County Commissioners appointed him to County Administrator where he is responsible for carrying out the policies and directives of the Commission and for the development and management of the County's annual operating and capital improvement budgets.

The County Administrator is also responsible for the supervision and management of department directors and ensuring all agreements, leases and other contractual obligations of the Commission are properly performed. The Board of County Commissioners may also direct the County Administrator and staff to complete special projects and assignments that do not fall within the established responsibilities of County Departments.