FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Below is the full text of the Board's resolution.
He is a native of Oregon and has a bachelor's degree in law from the University of Oregon and a master's in public administration from Lewis & Clark College in Portland.
R E S O L U T I O N
Whereas: On July 26, 2003, Donald D. Stilwell celebrated his 10th
anniversary as Lee County Manager, making him one of the longest-serving county
managers in Lee County's history; and
Whereas: During the past decade as the county's top manager, Don has fostered an atmosphere of open communication, candor and trust. This culture, combined with the leadership and stability of the Board of Lee County Commissioners, has raised the professionalism and innovation of Lee County Government and set a very high standard of excellence. Lee County is routinely recognized as a national leader for many of its programs and services; and
Whereas: Don has exceeded the reasons he was hired, which included bringing good, light, clean-air industry to Lee County, fiscal strength and accountability to the public sector, compliance with the Growth Management Act, ability to overcome tax changes to budgets, and most of all, a local government that now earns respect from others; and
Whereas: During Don's tenure, the county has become fiscally strong while achieving a higher level of service delivery, completing major projects like the Resource Recovery Facility and Midpoint Memorial Bridge/Veterans Parkway Corridor, and implementing innovative new programs such as Conservation 20/20 and the Smart Growth Initiative. One of the things Don is most proud of is the county's bureaucracy has not grown significantly during his tenure, even at a time when the county's population has increased by 140,000 people. He faithfully serves as a member of the Florida Local Government Finance Commission and sits as an ex-officio member of the Florida Association of Counties' Board of Directors. In 2001, Don was the only county manager appointed to the National Association of Counties' Homeland Security Task Force; and
Whereas: We know resolutions such as this are embarrassing to Don. One of his favorite sayings is, "You're only as good as the people you surround yourself with." Don has the utmost respect for Lee County's employees and the Board of County Commissioners, and the work they have done, and he continually credits them for his success. Don also selflessly works to mentor and further the careers of others, as evidenced by his two former Assistant County Managers now being the County Administrators of Broward and Charlotte counties, as well as numerous other employees who have gone on to successful opportunities within and beyond Lee County Government; and
Whereas: Don's favorite credos are, "Treat people the way you would want to be treated," "Do the right thing," and "Have fun at work." He has implemented these credos by focusing much of his efforts on good customer service to citizens, and empowering employees to do the right thing and rewarding them for their efforts; and
Whereas: Don's sense of humor, often self-deprecating, and integrity, combined with his many years of public service experience and mental toughness, has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, employees and the community.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of Lee County Commissioners, management team and employees of Lee County Government would like to take this opportunity to commend Donald D. Stilwell for his outstanding service to the citizens of Lee County and for his dedication to making our community a better place to live and work.
Duly Executed this 5th day of August 2003.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
LEE COUNTY, FLORIDA
Ray Judah