The County Administrator is directly responsible for carrying out the policies and directives of the Board of County Commissioners as a collective body.  The County Administrator has the authority and responsibility to manage the day-to-day operations of the county in a manner consistent with the Board’s policies and directives. 

Administration staff serve as support staff to the County Administrator and the Board of County Commissioners and serve as the central contact for constituents and outside organizations seeking information.  This department is responsible for the organization of board materials, meetings, and workshops.  The administration department produces and maintains official records of the board to include meeting materials, minutes, ordinances, and resolutions.

In addition the Administration department:

• Exists to serve the public
• Responsible for the management of the annual operating budget
• Implements policies and directives of the Board
• Responds to citizen concerns/complaints
• Serves as Legislative liaison
• Develops recommendations for county operations/priorities
• Manages special projects
• Administrative support arm to the Board

ADMINISTRATOR DEBORAH MANZO:                   

Mrs. Deborah Manzo is the County Administrator for Okeechobee County, and also represents the County as a member of Public Risk Management (PRM). 

Mrs. Manzo brings a depth of government experience  to the County Administrator position, having 40 years in local government as the previous Town Manager of Lantana for 10 years, serving the City of Greenacres for 17 years, and the Town of Juno Beach for over 10 years. She obtained a Master’s Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration.  Ms. Manzo is no stranger to government law and policy, and has extensive experience in emergency management, previously serving as the Chair of Palm Beach County’s Local Mitigation Strategy and currently as the Chair for Okeechobee County.

 The County Administrator is the Chief Executive Officer for Okeechobee County Government and carries out the directives of the Board of County Commissioners policies.  The County Administrator has responsibility for managing a $195,000,000 budget and daily operations of 25 departments and divisions.  

Mrs. Manzo was responsible to a 5-member Town Council in Lantana, with responsibilities that included managing a general operating budget of over $20 million with a staff of 110 employees in the  departments of Police, Finance, IT, Human Resources Risk Management, Human Resources, Public Works, Utilities, Wastewater, Recreation, Development Services, Planning/Zoning/Building Code Enforcement, Business Taxes, Town Clerk, Library, and consultants.