Four Governing Board members have the opportunity to lead the Board this year; three of whom will be taking on new roles.
Judith C. “Judy” Whitehead was unanimously elected to serve as Governing Board chair. She previously served as Board vice chair and looks forward to her new role.
“We have a wonderful cross section of representation and I am grateful that such intelligent, cooperative people have been chosen to serve on the Board. I’m gratified that the Governing Board has shown its support in electing me chair,” said Whitehead. “I hope we can accomplish great things for Florida, especially with today’s challenges, and we will work hard to stay on track with our strategic plan. It is a great responsibility and I know that all of us are up to the challenge.”
C. A. “Neil” Combee was elected vice chair after having served as the Governing Board secretary.
“I am honored and thrilled to be selected by my colleagues for this office. With such a talented Board and an experienced and knowledgeable staff, I know we can meet any challenges we face.”
Jennifer E. Closshey was reelected as treasurer.
“This year will be an especially challenging year for budgetary matters,” said Closshey. “I believe the experience I gained last year as treasurer will assist in ensuring that the District maximizes its finances in spite of the challenges we face.”
Todd Pressman was elected secretary. This is his first time serving as a Governing Board officer.
“I appreciate the support of my Governing Board colleagues and look forward to furthering the critical goals that we must meet for the water needs of our region,” said Pressman.
Chair Judy Whitehead
Whitehead of Brooksville was first appointed to the Governing Board in March 2003 and was elected the Board’s secretary in May 2004. Whitehead served as vice chair in 2006 and is also chair ex officio of the District’s Coastal Rivers Basin Board. Her term expires March 1, 2011.
Whitehead attended the Business University of Tampa from 1962 to 1963. She is a state-certified real estate appraiser.
The native Floridian has spent most of her life along the coast in west-central Florida. Prior to real estate appraising, she sold real estate for eight years. Her family is originally from Citrus County.
Vice Chair Neil Combee
Combee of Lakeland was appointed to the Governing Board in April 2005. He is also co-chair ex officio of the District’s Peace River Basin Board. His term expires March 1, 2009.
Combee served as the Governing Board secretary before being elected vice chair.
A Polk County native, he graduated from Lakeland High School and attended Polk Community College and Florida State University. He has a Florida real estate license.
Combee continues to work on his family’s farm and ranch, and he is a realtor for Century Companies of Lakeland.
Treasurer Jennifer Closshey
Closshey of Plant City was appointed to the Governing Board in April 2005. She is also chair ex officio of the District’s Alafia River Basin Board. Her term expires March 1, 2009.
This is her second term as the Governing Board’s treasurer.
Closshey has been a Florida resident since 1956. She received bachelor of arts degrees in both marketing and business administration from the University of South Florida. She is a licensed Florida real estate broker.
Closshey is president, CEO and owner of Ideas & Innovations, Inc., a strategic business consulting firm.
Secretary Todd Pressman
Pressman of Oldsmar was first appointed to the Governing Board in April 2005 and is also co-chair ex officio of the District’s Pinellas-Anclote River Basin Board. His term expires March 1, 2010.
Pressman graduated from Beachwood High School in Cleveland, Ohio, and then attended Ohio State University. He lived in Dallas and in Miami before moving to the Oldsmar/Palm Harbor area. He formerly held a Florida real estate license.
Pressman has spent the last 17 years in the professional pursuit of land-use issues, political campaigns and lobbying.