Departments

Administration

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County Administration Department

The County Administration department is directly responsible for carrying out the policies and directives of the Board of County Commissioners as a collective body.  The County Administrator has the authority and responsibility to manage the day-to-day operations of the county in a manner consistent with the Board’s policies and directives. 

Administration staff serves as support staff to the County Administrator and the Board of County Commissioners. 

The administration serves as the central contact for constituents and outside organizations seeking information.  The department is responsible for the organization of board materials, meetings, and workshops.  The administration department produces and maintains official records of the board to include meeting materials, minutes, ordinances, and resolutions.

  • Exists to serve the public
  • Responsible for the management of the annual operating budget
  • Implements policies and directives of the Board
  • Responds to citizen concerns/complaints
  • Serves as Legislative liaison
  • Develops recommendations for county operations/priorities
  • Manages special projects
  • Administrative support arm to the Board

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. Do not send electronic mail to this entity if you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. 

 

ADMINISTRATOR DEBORAH MANZO:                   

Ms. Deborah Manzo is the County Administrator for Okeechobee County, and also represents the County as a member of Public Risk Management (PRM).  

Administrator Manzo Courthouse Stairway IMG_0071 (003)

Ms. Manzo brings a depth of government experience to the County Administrator position, having been the Town Manager of Lantana since 2012; in addition to several years of government experience serving the City of Greenacres for 17 years; and the Town of Juno Beach for over 10 years.  Ms. Manzo has a Master’s Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration.  Ms. Manzo is no stranger to government law and policy, having over 35 years of experience in the field. In Lantana, Manzo was responsible to a 5-member Town Council in Lantana, with responsibilities that included managing a general operating budget of over $20 million with a staff of 110 employees in the departments of Police, Finance, IT, Human Resources, Risk Management, Human Resources, Public Works, Utilities, Wastewater, Recreation, Development Services, Planning/Zoning/Building Code Enforcement, Business Taxes, Town Clerk, Library, and consultants.

Pursuant to Florida Statutes 125 the Board of County Commissioners set policy and adopt ordinances that regulate Okeechobee County Government. The County Administrator is the Chief Executive Officer for County Government and carries out the directives of the Board of County Commissioners policies.  The County Administrator has the direct supervisory responsibilities of the Deputy County Administrator, County Budget & SHIP Program, Human Resources & Risk Management, Tourist Development, Cemeteries, Solid Waste Collection, Community Development (including Planning & Zoning, Building Department and Code Enforcement),  Facilities Maintenance and Capital Projects Development,  and Public Safety (including Fire Rescue, E-911, Emergency Management, and Fleet Maintenance) with indirect oversight over operational departments within those departments. 

Mrs. Deborah Manzo, County Administrator
Ph: 863-763-6441 Ext. 6
Email: dmanzo@okeechobeecountyfl.gov

Mrs. Tracy Rowland, Assistant to County Administrator
Email: trowland@okeechobeecountyfl.gov

 

Deputy County Administrator Richard Reade

 DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR RICHARD J. READE:

Mr. Reade has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Master of Public Administration and 25 years of local government experience. This includes more than 8 years of service as the Village Manager for the Village of Palm Springs in Palm Beach County and 4 ½ years as the Assistant City Manager, Sustainability Officer & Public Information Officer for the City of Delray Beach in Palm Beach County, Mr. Reade was the City Manager, Finance Director and Utilities Director for the City of Port Richey, City Manager of Davenport and the Assistant City Manager of City of Auburndale.





Mr.  Richard J. Reade,  Deputy Administrator
Ph: 863-763-6441 Ext. 5
Email: rreade@okeechobeecountyfl.gov 

Ms. Joy Walker,  Administrative Assistant
Email: jwalker@okeechobeecountyfl.gov