MSU ALUMNUS NAMED PUBLIC RESOURCES DIRECTOR OF LAKE COUNTY IN FLORIDA

Lake County, Florida has chosen Jeff Cole, former chief of staff with the St. Johns River Water Management District, as its new public resources director.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to the team,” said County Manager David Heath. “With Jeff’s breadth of knowledge and experience in working in the public sector on quality of life issues, we are confident he is the perfect fit for the position of Public Resources Director.”

The Public Resources Department manages the Parks & Trails Division, the Lake County Library System, The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Services and the Lake County Fairgrounds and Expo Center.

“I am excited to join Lake County’s team of professionals and am committed to continuing the forward momentum of projects set forth by county leadership,” said Cole. “I understand the importance of maintaining Lake County’s unique quality of life, and look forward to enhancing county services such as parks, trails, libraries and extension services.”

Cole comes to Lake County having worked from 1994-2015 for the St. Johns River Water Management District, which protects and manages water resources in northeast and Central Florida. As chief of staff between 2011 and 2015, he was responsible for intergovernmental affairs, coordination with local and state officials and media outreach for the agency. In the early 1990s, Cole served as a Brevard County Commission aide.

Cole received his bachelor’s degree from the College of Communication Arts and Sciences in 1985. He went on to receive his master’s degree in communications from the University of Central Florida.