Strickland named new finance director for City of Sarasota

She is the first woman to hold that role in the city’s history

Kelly Strickland. Image contributed by City of Sarasota
Kelly Strickland. Image contributed by City of Sarasota

Kelly Strickland has been promoted to financial administration director in the City of Sarasota, becoming the first woman to fill that role in the 100-plus years of city history, the city has announced.

She had served as the deputy finance director since 2009, a news release notes. She will replace John Lege, who recently was tapped to be the assistant city manager.

“I have the utmost confidence in Kelly after working with her and observing her knowledge, experience and work ethic,” said Lege in the release.

He oversees the Financial Administration Department as part of his responsibilities, City Manager Tom Barwin pointed out to the City Commission last month.

The Financial Administration Department not only prepares the city’s $200-million annual budget, but it also manages city investments, the employee payroll and procurement activities, the release points out.

Prior to her employment with the City of Sarasota, Strickland served as the interim finance director and accounting supervisor for the Martin County School Board in Stuart. She previously was the assistant finance director for the Alachua County Clerk of Courts.

“I am honored to be selected,” said Strickland in the release. “The Financial Administration staff is a group of highly motivated and talented individuals whom I respect very much and am privileged to lead.”

Strickland earned a Bachelor of Arts in accounting from the University of West Florida. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a Florida Certified Government Financial Officer, the release notes. Last year, she was selected to participate in an inaugural leadership program offered by the Florida Government Finance Officers Association.