County Commissioners unanimously confirm Karen Stewart to serve as acting Deputy County Administrator

County Commissioners unanimously confirm Karen Stewart to serve as acting Deputy County Administrator
Posted on 03/26/2019

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (March 26, 2019) – County Commissioners today touted Karen Stewart's reputation in the community and her accomplishments as Economic Development Official today before unanimously approving her to be the acting Deputy County Administrator to County Administrator Cheri Coryea.

"Karen's specialty is project management and she’s a task master," Coryea said. "She gets things done and she has a time management skill second to none."

As Manatee County Economic Development Official for the past decade Karen has facilitated economic development and redevelopment projects by linking County departments and the business community. She manages the performance-based incentive program, rapid response permitting, business retention and expansion in the Southwest District and promotes the business-friendly approach in county government.

Since 2009, County Commissioners have approved Economic Development Incentives for more than 90 companies with potential to create over 6,000 jobs over the next several years.

"I worked with Karen regularly in the private sector," said County Commissioner Misty Servia. "I know her work ethic and how responsive and trustworthy she is. She's really a great selection and I know she's going to do a great job.

Earlier this month Commissioners approved John Osborne as Coryea's other Deputy County Administrator. Coryea said Stewart will be responsible for County operations decisions, along with managing many of the County's top projects on behalf of the Administrator.

Karen has a Master’s of Science in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, is a graduate of Eckerd College and is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). She is a member of the IEDC, Bradenton Area EDC Board of Directors, Manatee Technical College Board of Governors, Urban Land Institute, the Florida Redevelopment Association, Florida Brownfields Association and various local business organizations.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter, @ManateeGov.