Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Michelle Williamson and Ashley Bell Barnett to the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board. Williamson represents Hillsborough County and Bell Barnett represents Polk County.
Williamson, of Dover, is the Manager of G&F Farms. She earned her associate degree in business administration and management from Hillsborough Community College. Williamson is appointed to a four-year term.
Bell Barnett, of Winter Haven, is a former educator and workforce development analyst with Polk County Public Schools. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College and her Master of Public Administration from the University of South Florida. Bell Barnett is appointed to a four-year term.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
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 manage the water and related resources of west central Florida to meet the needs of current and future water users while protecting the environment.