Former County Administrator Hired By Patterson Foundation

SARASOTA, FL — The Patterson Foundation, a regional nonprofit organization, has hired former Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea as an initiative consultant, the group shared in a news release Thursday.

With its office in Sarasota, the foundation “strengthens the efforts of people, organizations and communities by focusing on issues that address mutual aspirations, foster wide participation, and encourage learning and sharing.” It serves Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties through various initiatives.

In her new role, Coryea will work with the Patterson Foundation’s Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, Digital Access for All and the Suncoast Villages initiatives.

The Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading supports literacy in children from birth through third grade, helping them read at their grade level, the foundation said.

Digital Access for All improves access to technology for people, connecting them “in ways that foster inclusion and well-being,” the organization said.

Suncoast Villages offers a series of programs that support and empower older adults.

Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Bradenton newsletters and real-time email alerts.

Coryea worked for Manatee County for more than 30 years, most recently as county administrator since 2019. She was forced to step down from the position by a slate of new county commissioners, who were elected to their roles in November. She left the county in February with a severance package worth about $204,000.

During her time serving the residents of Manatee County, she worked mostly in the human services and community services fields, the foundation said. As the county’s Human Services Division manager, she conducted research and analysis on homelessness, housing, mental health, early childhood education, aging services and other areas.

She was also the county’s first director of the Neighborhood Services Department. In this role, Coryea oversaw economic development, community development, neighborhood planning and other divisions, the foundation said.

As county administrator, she built the Manatee Millennial Movement (M3), increasing the millennial workforce from 17 to 27 percent in four years.

“For decades, Cheri has worked tirelessly for and with the people of Manatee County,” Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, said. “Her knowledge of the realities faced by people and organizations along with her heart for possibilities aligns with The Patterson Foundation’s mission of strengthening individuals, organizations and communities.”

Coryea added, “Focusing on mutual aspirations that strengthen people, organizations and communities is the type of work that lights up my soul.”