Executive Management

How We're Organized

The Governing Board appoints the agency's Executive Director (subject to approval by the Governor, and confirmation by the Florida Senate). The Executive Director carries out the Board's directives.

 

Reports to the Governing Board
 
Photo of Melissa L. Meeker
 
Melissa L. Meeker, Executive Director
Contact: Peggy Alexander
 
As head of the state's largest regional water management agency, Ms. Meeker is accountable for ensuring that the District carries out its mission for water quality, flood control, natural systems and water supply efficiently and effectively. Under her leadership, the agency provides regional flood protection through one of the largest water management systems in the world; works with utilities and stakeholders to develop long-term water supply plans; and is implementing landmark restoration strategies to improve water quality and restore more natural flows for America's Everglades. Background Profile »
 

Timothy Beirnes, CPA, Inspector General
Contact: Ann Haga
 
Mr. Beirnes is responsible for planning and overseeing objective reviews and evaluations of agency operations and taxpayer-financed programs. This independent position reports directly to the Governing Board. Background Profile » 

 

Reports to the Executive Director
 
 
Carolyn S. Ansay, General Counsel
Contact: Jennifer Aiton
 
Ms. Ansay provides and oversees legal services in support of the agency's mission responsibilities. Key program areas include legal counsel and research, negotiations and dispute resolution, resource protection rulemaking, litigation and preventive law. Background Profile » 

 
Ernie Barnett, Assistant Executive Director
Everglades and Water Resources
Contact: Lourdes Elias
 
Mr. Barnett oversees the agency's applied ecosystem science, water quality monitoring, regional water supply planning and Everglades restoration efforts. He serves as the Executive Director's representative with elected and appointed officials at all levels of local and state government. Background Profile » 

 
Daniel DeLisi, Chief of Staff
Contact: Peggy Alexander
 
Mr. DeLisi guides and oversees the agency's external affairs, providing a forum for public service, open government and stakeholder involvement. His focus includes intergovernmental outreach, constituent relations, public communications and Governing Board operations, which includes coordination for the Board's external Water Resources Advisory Commission. Background Profile » 

 
Len J. Lindahl, P.E., Assistant Executive Director
Business and Regulatory
Contact: Peggy Alexander
 
Mr. Lindahl oversees the administrative functions of the agency and is responsible for providing cost-effective and efficient business-related services needed to carry out its mission. He also provides direction and guidance for the District's permitting and regulatory responsibilities, which help safeguard water supplies, manage stormwater runoff and protect wetlands. Background Profile » 

 
Tommy B. Strowd, P.E., Assistant Executive Director
Operations, Maintenance & Construction
Contact: Lesa Tucker
 
Mr. Strowd oversees operation and maintenance for one of the world's largest multi-purpose water management systems, providing flood control, water supply, water quality improvements and natural systems restoration for the District's 16-county region. This massive system moves more than 5.5 trillion gallons of water yearly and is continuously expanding as additional water resource projects are constructed and integrated into the existing network. Background Profile » 

 

Division Directors
 
 
Terrie Bates, Water Resources Division Director
Contact: Lourdes Elias
 
Ms. Bates manages the agency's scientific and engineering focus on ecosystem and technology research, water quality monitoring and analysis, water supply planning, systemwide computer modeling and resource evaluations. Background Profile » 

 
Doug Bergstrom, Administrative Services Division Director
Contact: Lesa Tucker
 
Mr. Bergstrom manages the day-to-day business/administrative support operations for the entire District including budget, performance metrics, finance, procurement, information technology, facilities and human resources. Background Profile » 

 
Karen Estock, Field Operations & Land Management Division Director
Contact: Debbie Mattino
 
Ms. Estock manages the operations and maintenance functions conducted by the agency's eight field stations to provide year-round water management system readiness. She also oversees the District's land-related resources, including all real estate, stewardship and public use issues. Background Profile » 

 
Jeff Kivett, P.E., Operations, Engineering & Construction Division Director
Contact: Debbie Mattino
 
Mr. Kivett manages around-the-clock water control operations and monitoring of the regional water management system and coordination with local entities. He also oversees the inspection and refurbishment of existing facilities, along with the design and construction of new projects and infrastructure. Background Profile » 

 
Temperince Morgan, Office of Everglades Policy & Coordination Division Director
Contact: Palma Vaccar
 
Ms. Morgan coordinates, develops and implements comprehensive policy and projects to preserve, restore and protect the South Florida ecosystem while recognizing the needs of external constituents and stakeholders. She oversees interactions with the agency's restoration partners at both the federal and state levels. Background Profile » 

 
Sharon Trost, P.G., AICP, Regulation Division Director
Contact: Haley Koptak
 
Ms. Trost manages the agency's regulatory programs, which help protect, manage and improve regional water resources. The District's streamlined permitting process and online database provide ready access to historical and current regulatory information, including pending applications. Background Profile » 


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SFWMD Headquarters: 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
561-686-8800 | 1-800-432-2045 (Florida Only)