Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board Elects Officers for 2023-2024 Term

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) governing board recently voted to elect officers for the 20232024 term.

Ed Armstrong was elected chair of the governing board. Armstrong represents Pinellas County and is an attorney with Hill Ward Henderson in Clearwater. He was appointed to the board in June 2014 and was reappointed in October 2020 and June 2022. His term expires March 1, 2026.

Michelle Williamson was elected vice chair of the governing board. Williamson represents Hillsborough County and is the operations manager of G&F Farms. Williamson was appointed to the board in August 2016 and reappointed in December 2020. Her term expires March 1, 2024.

John Mitten was elected secretary of the governing board. Mitten represents Hernando and Marion counties and is the franchise owner of Chick-fil-A in Spring Hill. Mitten was appointed to the board in October 2020. His term expires March 1, 2024.

Jack Bispham was elected treasurer of the governing board. Bispham represents Manatee County and is the owner and operator of Red Bluff Plantation. Bispham was appointed to the board in November 2019 and was reappointed in May 2021. His term expires March 1, 2025.

All of the officers assumed their positions for the 2023-2024 term 24 hours before the June 2023 governing board meeting.

Governing board members are unpaid, citizen volunteers who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate. The board sets policy for SWFWMD, with the mission to protect water resources, minimize flood risks, and ensure that the public’s water needs are met. S