Lakeland's New City Manager Is Shawn Sherrouse: Commission

LAKELAND, FL — The city of Lakeland named Shawn Sherrouse as city manager in a 6-1 vote by the Lakeland City Commission on Tuesday.

Commission members deliberated for 53 minutes after meeting with all three candidates Tuesday morning. Prior to the final interview, candidates had gone through a series of interviews with the commission.

Commissioner Sara McCarley voted against hiring Sherrouse and said she wanted to possibly extend the search process, the city said.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected by the city commission to serve as city manager for the city of Lakeland," Sherrouse said. "The commission’s encouragement and support to provide experiential training opportunities is both valued and appreciated. Lakeland has a bright future ahead and I’m excited to work alongside the city commission, city staff and the community to ensure success.”

Sherrouse was already serving as the interim city manager following Tony Delgado's retirement from the position after 23 years.

Two of the finalists were from out-of-state: Natasha Hampton, assistant city manager for Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and Ty Kovach, executive director for Lake County Forest Preserve, Libertyville, Illinois.

“I want to start by thanking our finalists who all had great attributes," said Mayor Bill Mutz in a news release. "The selection of Shawn Sherrouse to serve as Lakeland’s next city manager is the culmination of decades of commitment to attain this role. Shawn has the broad support of the city staff and community leaders. He has the respect of governmental entities across central Florida for his engaged regional problem-solving and project support. The city commission is eager to witness the next exciting chapter of Lakeland’s growth with Shawn at the helm.”