Board & Team

About Us Board & Team

Highlands County Industrial Development Authority /
Economic Development Commission

The Highlands County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) / Economic Development Commission (EDC) represents a public/private partnership between the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), the BOCC's Economic Development Office, and the business community. This partnership is designed to foster and promote sustainable economic growth in Highlands County.

We have a commitment for growth and a determination to make your move to or expansion in Highlands County easy and worry free. The board's mission is to, "Enhance the quality of life in Highlands County by attracting a diversity of new businesses, increase industrial investment, and facilitate the retention and expansion of existing business and industry."

IDA Board Vacancies

The Industrial Development Authority currently has no vacancies. To apply to be on the waitlist, please complete the application posted below. Email completed applications to Michelle Drake at mdrake@highlandsfl.gov AND Sarah Beth Rogers at srogers@highlandsfl.gov. Additional details are also available on the Citizen Committee tab of the county's website at highlandsfl.gov.

- Application (Fillable PDF)

Our Team

Vacant Photo

Sarah Beth Rogers
Executive Manager of Business and Economic Development

Highlands County Economic Development
Highlands County Board
of County Commissioners

Leah Sauls Photo

Leah Sauls
Development Services Director

Highlands County Board
of County Commissioners

Yarima Cuencas Photo

Yarima Cuencas
Economic Development Manager

Highlands County Board
of County Commissioners

Our Board

Ray Royce Photo

Honorable Raymond Royce, Chair

Highlands Co. Citrus Growers Association, Executive Director
Lake Placid Town Council, Vice Mayor
Industry: Agriculture
Term: 2020-2024

William Lenihan Photo

William Lenihan

ECS Florida
Industry: Engineering
Term: 2020 - 2024

Janet Barber Photo

Drew Bishop

Heritage Group, Keller Williams
Industry: Real Estate
Term 2023-2027

Garrett Anderson

Garrett Anderson

Anderson Arms, Owner
Avon Park City Council, Mayor
Industry: Manufacturing
Term: 2022 - 2026

Chris Campbell Photo

Chris Campbell

Highlands County Board of
County Commissioners

Term: 2023-2027

Commission Liaison

Jason Dunkel Advent Health Photo

Jason Dunkel

AdventHealth
President & CEO
Industry: Healthcare
Term: 2020-2024

John Shoop Photo

The Honorable John Shoop

First Southern Bank, President
City of Sebring Mayor
Industry: Banking
Term: 2020-2024

Joe Gleason Photo

Joe Gleason

Highlands Regional Medical Center, CEO
Industry: Healthcare
Term: 2022-2026

John Varady Photo

John Varady, Vice Chair

School Board of Highlands County, District Administrator
Industry: Education
Term: 2020-2024

Ann Martin

CareerSource Heartland, Chief Programs Officer
Industry: Workforce
Term: 2012 - 2026

Paul Koukos Photo

Paul Koukos

Wheeler Farms, Chief Operations Officer
Industry: Agriculture
Term: 2020 - 2024

Dr. Thomas Leitzel Photo

Fred Hawkins

South Florida State College, President
Industry: Education
Term: 2021 - 2025

Blank Person Icon

Jim Renfro

Highlands Aviation, CEO
Industry: Aviation
Term: 2021 - 2025

Craig Johnson Photo

Craig Johnson

Johnson Stivender Wealth Advisors
Industry: Finance
Term: 2021 - 2025

Blank Person Icon

Tommy Massey

Nucor, Management
Industry: Manufacturing
Term: 2022 - 2026

Blank Person Icon

Ben Wyatt

Crews Bank and Trust
Industry: Banking
Term: 2024 - 2029