Manatee County leaders name 2023 board officers. Here’s who won leadership positions
County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge will serve as the chairman of the Manatee County Commission for the second year in a row.
On Tuesday, board members voted unanimously to have Van Ostenbridge, who has served in the position since January, lead the board again in 2023. As chairman of the board, Van Ostenbridge presides over public meetings and signs certain documents on behalf of the board.
In recent years, the chairman position has rotated from one board member to the next. The last time a chairman went back-to-back was in 2013 and 2014 when former Commissioner Larry Bustle held the title, according to a county spokesperson.
“I’d like to thank my colleagues for their continued confidence in my leadership,” Van Ostenbridge wrote in a statement provided to the Bradenton Herald. “Your new and improved Board of County Commissioners looks forward to delivering taxpayers a leaner, less intrusive form of government where lower taxes and investments in transportation infrastructure are prioritized.”
First elected in 2020, Van Ostenbridge is a first-term commissioner who represents Manatee County’s coastal communities, including Anna Maria Island, West Bradenton and Snead Island.
Commissioner Vanessa Baugh, who served as the board chair in 2022, will act as vice chair in 2023. The position serves as the immediate backup to the chair and conducts meetings in the event of Van Ostenbridge’s absence.
Commissioner Mike Rahn will serve as the second vice chair, while Commissioner Amanda Ballard will serve as the third vice chair.
On the Manatee County Port Authority, board members chose Commissioner George Kruse to serve as chairman. The Port Authority, which is made up of all seven county commissioners, oversees operations at SeaPort Manatee.
Commissioner James Satcher will serve as vice chair of the Port Authority, with Commissioner Jason Bearden as the second vice chair and Commissioner Mike Rahn as the third vice chair.
Satcher was also chosen to serve as the chairman of the Tourist Development Council, which recommends funding for certain projects that enhance or promote tourism in Manatee County. Rahn will serve as the alternate chairman in the event of Satcher’s absence.
This story was originally published December 7, 2022 at 3:17 PM.
