Ocala's Lege Hired As Sarasota Finance Director

Sarasota's City Hall will have a new finance director next month to replace the retiring Chris Lyons.

John Lege III accepted the position of finance director with the City of Sarasota.  He will begin work on Monday, Feb. 4, according to the city.

Lege is the finance director for the City of Ocala.  He has served in that position since 2010.  His experience includes 10 years of executive leadership with city and county government and 21 years with the U.S. Navy based in Jacksonville including serving as a Division Officer and Department Head.   

Lege has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in business administration from Webster University, according to his Ocala bio.

He also has experience as a senior auditor in the private sector.

“I’m looking forward to John becoming part of our team,” City Manager Tom Barwin said in a statement.  “Of the 50 persons recruited for the position, our five interview panels were unanimous in recommending him.  

He was referred to as ‘well qualified’ and a ‘perfect fit’ for the City of Sarasota,” Barwin said.

Lege will replace longtime city employee Lyons who worked for Sarasota for 25 years including 5 1/2 years as finance director.  He is retiring for health reasons. 

“Chris has provided invaluable guidance leading the City of Sarasota through the Great Recession," Barwin said.  “His financial expertise, passion for the betterment of the community, professionalism and sense of humor will be sorely missed.  We’re fortunate that Chris has agreed to stay for a brief transition period to help acclimate Mr. Lege to City operations and introduce him to staff and the community.”

Lege's starting salary will be $125,000, according to Jan Thornburg, public information officer for the city. If Lege receives a satisfactory evaluation in six months, he will earn another $2,500 and then another $2,500 after one year of satisfactory service for a $130,000 salary.  

When Lege was hired in Ocala in 2007, he started at $106,500, according to The Star Banner in Ocala.