Adrienne Solomon, Adopt-A-Road Coordinator, Department of Transportation. Educational Background: Associates Degree in Applied Business. Professional Background: Joined the Adopt-A-Road Program in 1991, County employee since 1986. Topics: Volunteers Needed to Pick Up Litter, Individuals or Groups Get Free Recognition for Their Efforts Requirements of the Program.

David M. Loveland, AICP, Manager, Transportation Planning, Department of Transportation. Educational Background: Master of Science in Planning FSU/Bachelor of Science, International Affairs, FSU. Professional Background: Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, Department of Transportation, County employee since 1994. Topics: Long Range Transportation Plans, Short-term (upcoming) Transportation Projects and Transportation Concurrency.

Ria Brown, Public Information Specialist, Animal Services. Educational Background: B.A., English, M.Ed., Student Personnel Services. Professional Background: Public Information Specialist and Humane Educator , County employee since 1999. Topics: Role of Animal Control, Safety Around Animals, Benefits of Spaying/ Neutering and Proper Pet Ownership.

Nancy Hamilton, APR, Communications Director, Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. Educational Background: B.A. in Journalism, Michigan State University. Professional Background: Private sector, Journalist, newspaper editor, VCB Public Relations Coordinator. Communications Director with Lee Island Coast Visitor & Convention Bureau since 1993. Topic: Lee Island Coast Visitor & Convention Bureau.

James Lavender, Assistant County Manager. Educational Background: B.A. Florida State University. Professional Background: Parks construction and design, County employee since 1975. Topics: Public Works, Capital Projects and Funding.

Holly Schwartz, Assistant County Manager, County Administration. Educational Background: B.S. Political Communications, Master of Public Administration, both from FSU. Professional Background: Worked with a lobbying firm, County employee since 1993. Topics Duties & Functions of County Administration, The Board’s Legislative Priorities, Board Appointed Committees & Volunteers.

Pete Winton, Assistant County Manager, County Administration. Educational Background: M.A., Journalism, B.S., Accounting, both from Indiana University Professional Background: Positions held; Research Director Economic Development Office, newspaper reporter, public accountant, County employee since 1995. Topics: Public Information/Media Relations, The Role of County Government, County Government Projects, Programs & Services.

Gary Ewen, Business Development Director, Lee County Sports Authority. Educational Background: B.S. in Community Services. Professional Background: Member (2 terms) of the Board of Directors of the National Assoc. of Sports Commission, 24 years in Sports Marketing, Member of the FL Sports Foundation. County employee since 1984. Certified Sports Event Executive. Topics: Sports Marketing, Spring Training, and History of Baseball in Lee County.

Judi Durant, C.D.M.E, Director of Visitor Services, Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. Educational Background: Edison Community College, A.A. Professional Background: Geraci Travel; Northwest Airlines; Lee County Alliance of the Arts; Florida House of Representatives. Community Volunteer: Victim Services Coalition 20th Judicial Circuit, Guardian ad Litem. County employee since 1996. Topics: Tourism & Volunteers, Tourism Information Centers.

David J. Saniter, CEM, FPEM, Emergency Programs Manager, Public Safety/Emergency Management Program. Educational Background: A.S., Technical Studies. Professional Background: County employee since 1977. Topics: Community Hurricane Preparedness, Emergency Preparedness & Response, and Roles & Responsibilities of the Lee County Emergency Operations Center.

Diana M. Parker, Chief Hearing Examiner, Hearing Examiner’s Office. Educational Background: B.S.University of Central Florida, J.S.Stetson University College of Law. Professional Background: Attorney specializing in land use and environmental law, County employee since 1991. Topics: Hearing Examiner Process, Zoning and Land Use Hearing Procedures and Matters, and Code Enforcement Hearing Procedures and Matters.

Charlie Green, Clerk of Courts 20th Judicial Circuit, Clerk of Courts. Educational Background: B.S. Advertising, University of Florida,.Professional Background: Elected to office 1984. Topics: What Does the Clerk’s Office Do?

Brian Bigelow, County Commissioner, District #2. Professional Background: Construction and Development and Urban land planning. Elected as Commissioner in 2006. Topics: Smart Growth, Community Planning, Community Redevelopment, Environment, County Government

Tammy Hall, County Commissioner, District #4. Professional Background: Owner of a Marketing Consultant firm in Lee County since 1994. Previously employed in the private sector in hospitality and architectural community and public sector both as an elected official, appointed volunteer member and employee. Elected as Commissioner in 2004. Topics Smart Growth, Community Planning, Community Redevelopment

Ray Judah, County Commissioner, District #3. Educational Background: California State University of Humboldt, Master of Science in Natural Resources, B.A. in Zoology Professional Background: Principal Land Planner, Biologist, U.S. Dept. Of Interior, Kern County, CA, Marine Biologist, Environmental Quality Lab, General Dev. Corp, Environmental Specialist, Florida Dept. of Environmental Reg., Elected to office 1988. Topics: Environment, Smart Growth, Water Issues, County Government

Frank Mann, County Commissioner, District #5. Professional Background: Lifelong resident of Lee County with a career in politics since 1974. 8 years in the Florida House, 4 years in the Florida Senate. Appointed to the BOCC in 1993-1994 to fill a district 4 vacancy.  Elected as Commissioner of District #5 in 2006.

Lynda Thompson, Conservation 2020 Program Coordinator, County Lands Division. Educational Background: Degree in Environmental Studies, American Institute of Certified Planners. Professional Background: 25 years as Environmental Planner, County employee since 1990. Topic: Conservation 2020 Program

Randy Cerchie, Construction Manager, Department of Transportation. Educational Background: Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering/Heavy & Highway Construction Arizona State University. Professional Background: Worked with various heavy construction contractors, member of American Public Works Association, County employee since 1990. Topics: Road Resurface/Rebuild Program, Sidewalk Construction Program, Lee County DOT Residential and Commercial Permitting, and Lee County Construction/Inspection Program.

Karen B. Hawes, County Manager. Educational Background: Masters in Health Services Administration, B.S. in Public Administration. Professional Background: Private school business manager, worked in health planning, budget analyst, fiscal officer, Director of Human Services, Deputy County Administrator, Past President of the Florida Association of Counties Social Services Executives, Fl Kid Care Coalition Member, County employee since 1985. Topic: Human Services.

Kevin Farrell, Crime Prevention Specialist, Lee County Sheriff’s Department, Crime prevention Unit. Additional Background: 20 years law enforcement, polygraph examiner, police academy instructor, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), with the Lee County Sheriff’s Department since 1999. Topics: Commercial Crime Prevention, CPTED and New Projects, and Crime Prevention.

Stacey D. Payne, Crime Prevention Specialist, Lee County Sheriff’s Department, Outreach Program. Educational Background: B.S. Business Mtg, minor in Criminal Justice. Additional Background: Certified in crime prevention, self defense Trainer, workplace violence trainer with the Lee County Sheriff’s Department since 1996. Topics: Crime Prevention, Safety & Security, and Community Policing.

Trish Routte Crime Stoppers Coordinator, Lee County Sheriff’s Department. Professional Background: Private sector reporter, editor. Cape Coral Police Department, “Do The Right Thing” Coordinator, Lee County Sheriff’s Department employee since 1997. Topics: How Crime Stoppers Operates, Community Assisting Law Enforcement, and Program Marketing.

William H. “Bill” Hammond, Deputy County Manager, County Administration. Educational Background: Bachelor of Science, Recreation, FSU. Professional Background: Positions held; Acting County Manager, Director of Community Services, Public Services Director, Board of Directors of the Florida Sports Foundation, County employee since 1978. Topics Managing Public-Sector Organizations, Government and Professional Sports Teams, Parks & Recreation Policy Issues.

Paul Wingard, Deputy Director DOT, Department of Transportation. Educational Background: BS Civil Engineering, FL Prof. Engineer. Professional Background: Engineering of hard rock tunnel, high rise building, roads, bridges, single story commercial buildings, utilities, etc. County employee since 1993. Topics: DOT Operations Maintenance, and Lee County Landscape Program.

Larry L. King, Deputy Lee County Sheriff’s Department, Public Information. Additional Background: 18 year broadcast media veteran, Former Vice-President of the SW Florida Crime Prevention Association, certified as a Florida Crime Prevention Practitioner since 1994. With the Florida Sheriff’s Department since 1994. Topic: Media Perceptions - Getting the Story Right.

Celia Bugg Hill, Director Extension Services, Parks and Recreation. Educational Background: B.S.Florida State University, M.S. Auburn University. Professional Background: County employee since 1985. Topics: University of Florida/IFAS/Lee County Extension programs, nutrition and food safety.

Mary Gibbs, Director, Community Development. Educational Background: B.S. and Masters Degree, Geography, MBA from FGCU. Professional Background: Certified Urban Planner, County employee since 1984. Topics: Lee County Development & Zoning, Lee County Architectural & Landscape Standards.

Paul O’Connor, Director of Planning, Community Development. Educational Background: Bachelors in Architecture, University of Miami. Professional Background: Planner, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), County employee since 1986. Topics: Planning Community Development.

Pamela B. Johnson, Director of Sales, Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. Educational Background: B.A., Howard University, Washington, DC. Professional Background: Over 10 years experience in marketing and public relations in the private and public sectors, County employee since 1995. Topics: The Economic Value of Tourism, and Visitor Profile Information for Lee County.

Lindsey Sampson, Director Solid Waste, Solid Waste Division. Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Professional Background: Professional Engineer registered in Florida and Ohio, County employee since 1991. Topics: An Integrated Approach to Solid Waste Management, The Lee County Waste to Energy Facility, and Recycling and Other Solid Waste Programs in Lee County.

Karen Maguire, Director, County Lands Division. Educational Background: BSBA USF, Licensed Real Estate Broker/Voluntary Inactive; Certified Int’l. Senior R/W Member. Professional Background: Past Positions; Property Acquisition Agent, Land Assessor, RE Fee Appraiser, RE Title Examiner, County employee since 1986. Topics: Precondemnation Process for Acquiring Real Property Process for Having County Owned Real Property Declared Surplus & Sold, and Process for Obtaining Title to Land when County Holds Tax Certificate.

Ann Arnall, Director, Human Services Department. Educational Background: Bachelors Degree Psychology, University of Florida. Professional Background: Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, County employee since 1990. Topics: Overview of the Department of Human Services and Process of Allocating Funds to Nonprofit Agencies.

Barbara Manzo, Director, Parks and Recreation. Educational Background: BSE Recreation, MS Recreation Admin., MBA, Certified Park & Recreation Professional. Professional Background: Commissioner Parks and Recreation Greenburgh, NY, and Mt. Vernon, NY, Consultant, Educator, Counselor, Playground Leader, Therapeutic Specialist, County employee since 1990. Topics: Parks and Recreations budget, facilities, Capital Improvements, Programs, Conservation 2020, Land Mtg etc.

Elizabeth Walker, Director, Public Resources. Educational Background: M.B.A., University of South Florida, B.B.A., Management Dowling College. Professional Background: Management Consultant prior to working with the County, positions held with the County; Operations Analyst, MSTBU Coordinator, County employee since 1993. Topics: Municipal Services Taxing Benefit Unit, and Public Resources.

John D. Wilson, Director, Public Safety. Educational Background: B.A. Florida State University, Masters of Science, Planning, FSU. Professional Background: County employee since 1985. Topics: Hurricane Preparedness & Awareness, Emergency Medical Services, Programs Within Public Safety, and Domestic Preparedness & Security.

Matthew S. Rechkemmer, E-911 Program Manager, Public Safety. Educational Background: Business Admin University of Akron. Professional Background: Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (Florida) National Emergency Number Association, County employee since 1983. Topics: “Home Alone” (elementary grade 9-1-1 presentation), and “Make the Right Call” (adult education).

John Kiseda, Environmental Educator, Parks and Recreation. Educational Background: Outdoor Education, Central Michigan University. Professional Background: Active with promotion & development of environmental awareness of SW FL bio-region, County employee since 1990. Topics: Gentle Giant...Lee County Manatee Park Quality of Life, Green Spaces in Lee County, and Eco-Tips for Home Landscaping & Gardening.

Tamara Pigott, Executive Director , Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. Educational Background: B.S., Economics & Political Science, M.S., Political Science, both from Florida State University. Professional Background: Research analyst with Marketing Management, Vice President of Regional Research, Library System, holding various positions, lastly as Fiscal Officer, County employee since 1993. Topic: Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and Value of Tourism

Jeff Mielke, Executive Director, Lee County Sports Authority. Educational Background: B.S. in Hospitality Management - University of Missouri; M.S. in Sports Management - Florida State University. Professional Background: Director of Lee County's sports development efforts since 2003. Prior to 2003, Mielke spent 5 years with the Central Florida Sports Commission in Orlando, FL. Topics: Economic Impact of Sports in Lee County.

James Lewin, Fiscal Research Specialist, County Administrations. Educational Background: MA Urban Studies, Washington University in St. Louis, MBA, AB Freeman School of Business at Tulane University. Professional Background: Chief Planner with the New Orleans City Planning Commission; Capital Projects Administrator with the Orleans Parish School Board, County employee since 1990. Topics: The Process for Issuance of Bonds and Other Debt Obligations, Discussion of Major Revenues.

Marilyn L. Rawlings, Fleet Manager, Public Works, Fleet Management. Educational Background: B.S. Education Taylor University. Professional Background: Operations analyst, County employee since 1988, Fleet Manager since 1994, nominated for Fleet Manager of the Year 2003, speaks to thousands nationally each year, helping people maximize their personal and leadership potential. Topics: Fleet Management and Leadership.

John McGraw, Florida Crime Prevention Practitioner, Lee County Sheriff’s Department, Community Outreach. Educational Background: Graduate Edison Community College, FL Attorney General Crime Prevention Institute, Bachelors & Masters , St. Vincent’s College. Additional Background: Sheriff’s Department since 1998. Topic: “Do The Right Things”.

Thomas Becker, Florida Yards and Neighborhood Extension Agent, Parks and Recreation. Educational Background: B.S. Penn State University, MEd., Penn State University. Professional Background: Extension educator in ornamental horticulture, stormwater ecology, Lee County Employee since 2004. Topics: Design a yard to protect Florida’s natural resources, Wind resistant landscapes, and Protecting the waterfront and irrigating efficiently.

Roger S. Clark, Land Stewardship Manager, Parks and Recreation. Educational Background: B.S. in Wildlife Biology from North Carolina State University. Professional Background: County employee since 1984. Topics: Conservation 2020 Preserves and their management, Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem-Watershed An Important Area for Water Resources & Wildlife, and Lee County’s Preserves and Resource Based Parks.

Marilyn L. Graham, Manager of Public Services, Library. Educational Background: Masters of Library Science (M.L.S.). Professional Background: Professional Librarian since 1975, County employee since 1991. Topics: School Readiness & the Public Library, and Library Services in Lee County.

Kathy Mayo, Manager, Community Access Services, Library. Educational Background: B.S. in Art Education from FSU, M.S. in Library Science from FSU. Professional Background: Professional Librarian for 30 years, library consultant at the State Library of Florida, County employee since 1989. Topics: Library Services for Older Adults and/or Persons with Disabilities, The Lee County Library System: a resource for people of all ages, and Volunteer opportunities with the Lee County Library System.

Gary L. Porter, Manager, Parks and Recreation. Educational Background: A.A. Miami-Dade Community College, A.S. Edison Community College, B.S. Florida International University. Professional Background: Florida State Park Service, County employee since 1985. Topics: Beaches and Coastal Management, beach ecosystems, Park Ranger Operations and Management, General Parks and Recreation Organization and Operations.

Tony Pellicer, Manager, Public Works Natural Resources. Educational Background: Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering, University of Florida. Professional Background: County employee since 1979. Topics: Water Quality and Other Related Subjects, Petroleum Storage Tanks, and Environmental Audits.

Denise Sabatini, MSTBU Program Manager, Public Resources. Educational Background: AA, Math/Science, BA, Secondary Ed/English Concentrate, 5 Years as Economic Development for Community Futures with Dun & Bradstreet Corp. Professional Background: 14 Years as a Credit & Financial Analyst, 3 Years Executive Director for Literacy Link Eastern Ontario County employee since 2001. Topic: Municipal Service Taxing Benefit Units Program.

Roland Ottolini, P.E., Director, Public Works, Natural Resources. Educational Background: Bachelor of Civil Engineering. Professional Background: Registered Professional Engineer specializing in water resources management, County employee since 1989. Topics: Flood Protection, Water Pollution, and Coastal Management.

Betsy Clayton is a longtime boating columnist and outdoors reporter who most recently has joined Lee County Parks & Recreation as its waterways and blueway coordinator.Her new job is a just-created position that helps manage and market the Great Calusa Blueway, a 100-mile mile marked paddling trail from Bonita Springs to Charlotte Harbor via Estero Bay, Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass. (see www.greatcalusablueway.com). She also is coordinating the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival (www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com) Along with Parks & Recreation duties, she also works with the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau on waterways-, paddling- and boating-related issues that affect tourists and Lee’s quality of life. Feel free to ask her about a variety of water-related topics, including the Great Calusa Blueway, recreational boating – powerboating, sailing, paddlesports – and marine industry trends. Betsy is a graduate of the University of Oregon, her native state, and has lived in Washington state, California, Washington D.C. and – of course – Southwest Florida.

Kenneth M. Wilkinson, Lee County Property Appraisr, Property Appraiser’s Office. Educational Background: Graduate Florida Atlantic University. Professional Background: Senior Bank Examiner, State of Florida government employee since 1980. Topics: Ad Valorem Appraisal Process.

Patricia Di Piero, Public Relations Officer, Public Works, Utilities. Educational Background: BS in Secondary Education with concentrations in Chemistry and Earth Science. Professional Background: Over 5 years of experience in the Utility field handling compliance issues with regulatory agencies and experience in environmental laboratory testing of water and wastewater samples, County employee since 2000. Topics: Water Conservation - Where Does Your Water Come From and Where Does it Go ?

Mike Scott, Sheriff of Lee County. Educational Background: Master of Business Administration, bachelor’s degree, Political Science, University of South Florida, Associates in the Arts, Edison Community College. Professional Background: 1986-1988 Probation Officer, Dept. of Corrections. 1988-2003 Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Public Information, Crime Stoppers Coordinator, Traffic Unit Motorcycle Deputy, elected to office 2004. Topic: Lee County Sheriff’s Department

Heather Gienapp, Sr. Program Specialist, Parks and Recreation. Educational Background: bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Science. Professional Background: Biological Science Aid for USDA Forest Service Stewardship Assistant Natural Conservancy, Marine Biology, Oceanography and Biology teacher. County employee since 1998. Topics: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

Stephen B. Russell, State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts, History, College of William and Mary; Master of Education, Special Education, College of William and Mary; Doctorate of Jurisprudence, Stetson College of Law. Professional Background: State employee since 1977. Topic: Prosecution.

Sharon Harrington, Supervisor of Elections, Elections. Educational Background: Cuyahoga Community College & Edison Community College major: Accounting and business administration. Professional Background: 25 years business, management and administration prior to the joining the Elections office. Elections Supervisor since January 2004. Topics: Voter Registration, What To Do When We Have No Elections In a Year.

Cindy Logan, Supervisor, Public Works, Contracts Management. Professional Background: Contracts & Purchasing, Member of the Gulfcoast Purchasing Association, National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP), National Contract Management Association, National Purchasing Institute, County employee since 1978. Topics: Lee County Contracts, Policy and Procedures.

Cathy Curtis, Tax Collector, Lee County Tax Collector’s Office. Educational Background: B.B.A Northeast Louisiana University, A.A University of Maryland, Munich Germany Campus, CPA. Professional Background: City of Fort Myers Management & Budget Director, Collier County Controller, Various CPA Firms. Topics: Hunting, Occupational and Fishing Licenses, Titles and Registrations for Vehicles and Vessels, Property Taxes (collection of current and delinquent).

Bruce Dennington, Telecommunications Program Manager, Public Safety. Educational Background: Attended Edison Community College. Professional Background: United States Air Force Air to Ground Radio, County employee since 1974. Topics: Emergency Dispatch Center for EMS/ Fire Rescue.

John Ebling, County Veteran’s Service Officer, Educational Background: Masters Degree in Human Resources. Professional Background: Retired from the US Army, 22 years County employee since 1993. Topic: Various Veteran’s Issues and How They Affect Lee County Residents.