Lakeland Deputy Manager Hired For Sarasota County Post

SARASOTA, FL -- Brad Johnson has accepted a conditional offer to serve as an assistant county administrator, Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis announced.

Johnson, 37, currently the deputy city manager for the city of Lakeland, has served that community since March 2012. He's expected to start in his new role on July 9, filling the position left open by Lewis, who was appointed to the role of county administrator by the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners in 2018.

"Brad's passion for public service and his experience in local government make him the ideal fit for this position. We're excited to welcome him and look forward to his contributions as the newest member of our administrative team," said Lewis.

In addition to working for the city of Lakeland, Johnson previously held leadership positions with the city of Palm Bay and the city of Holly Hill.

"It's an honor to be chosen for this distinguished position," Johnson said, adding, "Sarasota County is an innovative organization that focuses on customer service. I'm looking forward to continuing that tradition and my career as a public servant."

Johnson graduated from the Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri where he received his master's of public administration with a focus in public management. Additionally, he received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Maryland.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Johnson's confirmation will be considered during the county commission's June 12 meeting.

Image via Sarasota County