New HR director confirmed for Manatee County

Manatee County has a new human resources director. 

The Manatee County Commission unanimously confirmed Kate Barnett as the county's new human resources director April 23 after serving as the department's interim director since June 2023. 

"I'm extremely excited about the opportunity to be the next HR director for the county," Barnett said in a news release. "Along with our team, our focus has been on employee engagement and determining how we empower employees to do work that matters—every day.”  

Barnett has been with Manatee County for three years. 

Before joining the county, Barnett spent eight years building a business that made an impact in downtown Wheaton, Illinois, according to the release. 

Her business was awarded Business of the Year for her community outreach initiatives. 

Barnett currently is pursuing her Juris Masters from Florida State University.