Florida Senate Confirms Appointments of Governing Board Members

News Release

The Florida Senate has confirmed the appointments of seven Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Governing Board members.

  • Bryan K. Beswick represents DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands counties and his term ends March 1, 2020.
  • John Henslick represents Manatee County and his term ends March 1, 2021.
  • James G. Murphy represents Polk County and his term ends March 1, 2021.
  • Joel Schleicher represents Charlotte and Sarasota counties and his term ends March 1, 2019.
  • Rebecca Smith represents Hillsborough and Pinellas counties and her term ends March 1, 2021.
  • Mark C. Taylor represents Hernando and Marion counties and his term ends March 1, 2020.
  • Michelle Williamson represents Hillsborough County and her term ends March 1, 2020.

Governing Board members are unpaid, citizen volunteers who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate. The Governing Board sets policy for the District, whose mission is to protect water resources, minimize flood risks, and ensure the public's water needs are met.