Vanessa Baugh elected as Manatee County Commission chairwoman

Lakewood Ranch Main Street business owner, mother and grandmother aren't the only roles Vanessa Baugh fills.

Baugh became a Manatee County commissioner in 2012. Just three years later, she is now the chairwoman of the Board of County Commissioners.

Her colleagues elected her as their leader at the Dec. 1 commission meeting.

"I am honored to be voted by my peers as Chairman," Baugh said. "We have many issues facing residents of Manatee and I look forward to playing a major role in finding solutions."

The commission also decided to elect its first vice chairperson, District 3 Commissioner John Chappie. District 4 Commissioner Robin DiSabatino and District 2 Commissioner Charles Smith are now the second and third vice chairpeople.

Other leadership changes include: 

At-Large Commissioner Betsey Benac will serve as the chairwoman of the Manatee County Port Authority.

At-Large Commissioner Carol Whitmore is now the commission's Tourist Development Council representative.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].