The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted Tuesday to elect officers for the 2026-2027 term.
Jack Bispham was elected chair of the Governing Board. Bispham represents Manatee County and is the owner and operator of Red Bluff Plantation. Bispham was appointed to the Governing Board in November 2019 and was reappointed in May 2021 and again in August 2025.
Ashley Bell Barnett was elected vice chair of the Governing Board. Bell Barnett represents Polk County, is a former educator and serves in a variety of capacities at organizations across the community, some of which include the Board of Governors for the State University System, Polk State College District Board of Trustees and the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation Board of Directors. Bell Barnett was appointed to the Governing Board in December 2020 and was reappointed in August 2023.
John Hall was elected secretary of the Governing Board. Hall represents Polk County and is the owner of Polk Community Association Management, director of City of Bartow Utilities and is a former Polk County Commissioner. Hall was appointed to the Governing Board in May 2021 and reappointed in August 2025.
Dustin Rowland was elected treasurer of the Governing Board. Rowland represents Pasco County and is the president and owner of Rowland Truck Lines, Inc., Rowland Cattle Company, LLC, and Dustin Rowland, LLC. Rowland was appointed to the Governing Board in February 2023.
The officers will assume their positions for the 2026-2027 term 24 hours before the June Governing Board meeting.
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.