New Lee County Manager starts job
Dave Harner has started work as Lee County Manager, reporting to the Lee Board of County Commissioners and overseeing a $2.6 billion budget and 2,800 employees.
Commissioners named Harner, who formerly was Deputy County Manager, to fill the role on June 6. They voted June 20 to approve a five-year contract that commences today.
“I’m excited to begin working with our new County Manager, Dave Harner. Having him in this new role will provide a seamless transition for our operations and for our residents,” Board Chairman Brian Hamman said. “Dave has the experience and the tools to successfully lead our organization, and our board is excited to continue the important work we have ahead of us as a county.”
Harner had served as Deputy County Manager since February 2019 and has 32 years with Lee County. Harner served as director of Parks & Recreation beginning in 2012 and more recently as Assistant County Manager since 2015. He also has stepped in to serve as interim director of Domestic Animal Services. As Deputy County Manager, Harner was the Chief Operations Officer for Lee County and oversaw all assistant county managers and had direct supervision of the county’s Human Resources, Natural Resources and Transportation departments.
Harner has played an integral part in many county challenges and issues, including overhauling and updating critical agreements with stakeholders and partners, streamlining processes through involvement in inter-departmental committees, and overseeing Hurricane Irma debris removal and flood mitigation projects. He led Lee County operations during the COVID-19 response and Hurricane Ian response and recovery.
Lee County Government established the position of County Manager in 1971. Harner is the ninth to serve in the role.
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Source: Lee County Government