SMR names Bedford new VP of planning

LAKEWOOD RANCH — In one year, Richard Bedford has attended more planning and zoning hearings than most people experience in a lifetime.

Multiply that by 22 years, and Bedford has seen more than 2,000 public hearings on everything from gas stations and beauty parlors to 5,000-unit developments of regional impact.

“I’ve done a lot of planning on my own projects. I’ve seen everybody else’s projects for the last 22 years,” said Bedford, longtime chairman of the Manatee County Planning Commission. “I’ve seen the good and the bad.”

But now, Bedford, 55, will plan specifically for the future of Lakewood Ranch.

He starts Oct. 20 as the vice president of planning for Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, less than week after accepting the post. Bedford replaces Todd Pokrywa, who left the company last month.

SMR President and CEO Rex Jensen said Bedford emerged as the top candidate after an extensive search.

“He’s the kind of person who can plug in immediately and know where to knock,” Jensen said.

Bedford, who has served on the planning commission since 1992, practiced architecture for 16 years before trying development as a partner in the Riviera Dunes project in Palmetto. Since then, he’s continued planning and developing, working on affordable and workforce housing projects, among other ventures.

Bedford sees his new role as long term. “Lakewood Ranch is an exceptional project, and it’s not halfway done,” Bedford said. “I’ve seen it grow since 1992. It’s a wonderful place.

“I think it’s going to be great home for me,” he said. “I look forward to bringing it along.”

Richard Bedford
Age: 55

Professional experience:

• March 2013-September 2014 — general manager of Desoto Square Mall

• 2009-2013 — vice president of design and construction of DNP, a pool company

• 2002-2009 — executive vice president of deMorgan Communities

• 1999-2002 — partner in planning and developing Riviera Dunes

• 1984-1999 — architect at various firms