Manatee County Utilities receives another blow amid hurricane season

The Manatee County Utilities Department is undergoing a transition after two out of its three deputy directors tendered their resignations.

Director of Water Katherine Gilmore’s last day was Sept. 13, and Director of Wastewater Kevin Morris’ last day is Oct. 4. Gilmore would’ve hit her 20-year mark at the end of September, and Morris has been with the county since January 2021.

"Their contributions to the Utilities Department have been invaluable," Utilities Director Patrick Shea said in an email. "Their leadership, hard work and dedication to public service will be greatly missed."

Shea noted that Gilmore's technical expertise and unwavering commitment to quality set her apart as a leader. 

"Katie’s legacy is not just in the projects she led, but in the example she set for others," Shea said. "Similarly, Kevin’s colleagues consistently speak of his willingness to listen, collaborate and focus on creating the best possible outcomes for both the department, the county and its employees."

Photo by Lesley Dwyer

While the exits came just weeks after Hurricane Debby and halfway through the six-month hurricane season, Shea is confident the positions will be filled quickly, and staff can handle operations in the meantime.

“The deputy director positions within the Manatee County Utilities Department will be highly sought after due to the exciting challenges and opportunities the department will face over the next decade,” Shea said. “The Utilities Department is poised for growth and investments in new treatment technologies, and these roles offer a chance to help shape the future of essential services for our community.” 

Shea said the goal is to fill the positions by the end of October, but the timeline will largely depend on whether the best candidate emerges from inside or outside of the county. Interviews haven’t been scheduled yet, but applications are being actively reviewed.

While Shea acknowledged that being down two deputy directors during hurricane season presents challenges, he said it’s not unmanageable.

Shea said the department is working together as a team, and leaders have also been identified to step into storm response roles. Plus, emergency response plans are in place to address any storm or infrastructure related issues.

Gilmore tendered her resignation on Aug. 23, and Morris tendered his on Aug. 26. They tendered their resignations due to family matters and personal reasons.

Shea commended Gilmore and Morris for the “remarkable commitment” they showed toward their community and colleagues and is grateful for the strong foundation they left behind.