BRADENTON — During the first BOCC meeting after summer recess on Tuesday, Manatee County Commissioners appointed five individuals to serve on a newly created Government Efficiency Liaison Committee.
Commissioners selected David Otterness, Benjamin Heavener, John Settineri, Mark Stanoch, and Don Berg. Otterness is Vice President of Willis Smith Construction and former Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.
Heavener is a CPA with Jim Gay Certified Public Accountants. Settineri is a retired tax attorney. Stanhope is a retired tech entrepreneur who ran for the Manatee County School Board in 2024. Berg is a retired finance executive who served as Chairman of the Board for Gildan from 2019 to 2024.
The five-member committee will work to support the county’s participation in the statewide Department of Government Efficiency initiative. The committee will work with Manatee County Director of Government Relations, Stephanie Garrison, and Manatee County Government Relations Manager, Brent Anderson.
The appointments follow an open application process that concluded July 18. They also come in the aftermath of Governor DeSantis’ announcement last week that there would be a DOGE audit of Manatee County.
“This is an important board,” said Manatee County Commission Chair George Kruse. “The intent was to have a broad swatch of people with IT, HR, and finance experience. Backgrounds and experience are important.”
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David Daniels
Wait…Charlie Bishop’s administration has a “Director of Government Relations” AND a “Government Relations Manager?” Both of whom must report to Deputy Administrator, who reports to the Administrator. No wonder Mr. Bishop recommended the county buy a 2nd large office bldg.
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Report this