County’s New Administrator Takes the Reins

Don’t expect any radical or immediate changes coming from the office of Administrator Randall Reid. At least not during the first two months.

“My first 60 days will be spent listening and learning, meeting members of the staff and the public,” he said.

“Then I start to direct some new initiatives,” said Reid. “Top priority is following through on the purchasing issues.” A review of purchasing is slated for Tuesday afternoon’s County Commission session.

Reid spent the last 12 years as county manager at Alachua County in Gainesville. He is the permanent replacement for and his last day was Friday, .

“I had a good exit from Alachua County, a couple of good going-away events that brought tears to my eyes,” he said.

One of Reid’s first actions was a half-hour press conference in the county’s Administration Center.

“My intention is to rebuild and revitalize what I think was a premiere county in Florida,” he said. “I’m 57 years old, and have about eight years left in my career. My public service will be here.”

There are similarities and differences between Alachua and Sarasota counties. Both are home-rule charter counties. Gainesville is home to a major university – the University of Florida – while Sarasota is home to a large number of retirees, many of them quite wealthy.

Reid called himself a “cultural change agent.”

He said, “One speech on ethics doesn’t make an ethical organization. It takes repeated application. The achievements are made incrementally. That’s how you change cultures in organizations. It’s a deliberative process that can take years.”

Reid used a phrase that would have brought a smile to his predecessor's face. Ley was noted for his “management by reorganization.” Reid said, “I’m looking at restructuring and how we provide services.”

But first he needs to get acquainted with Sarasota County. “I need to know where the utilities department is. And the other county facilities,” he said. “And I’ll be going out into the community to make presentations and listen to neighborhood associations and other community entities. My listening and making assessments will go on for a couple of months.”

A county press release says Reid is a native of Ohio, and has been married 31 years. The couple has three children. “He is an Eagle Scout, a Christian and a member of the Rotary International,” the release says.