Candidate: CECIL PENDERGRASS

Cecil L. Pendergrass, son of C.L. and Margie Pendergrass, is a lifelong resident of Fort Myers. He and his wife, Jodi, have been married for 28 years and have had the privilege of raising their two children in Lee County. Cecil proudly devotes his life to public service. He began serving our community in 1984 when he was sworn in as a City of Fort Myers Law Enforcement Officer. He faithfully served for 25 years, retiring with over 30 awards of distinction. Following retirement, he transitioned into the wealth management field as vice president of Private Asset Management Group, LLC, an independent financial asset firm that helps clients establish, pursue and maintain short- and long-term financial objectives. Cecil was elected to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners’ District 2 seat in November 2012. In a vote of confidence from his colleagues, he was unanimously sworn in as chairman of the board at his first meeting. He also took on the responsibility as chair of the Board of Port Commissioners during his first year. Currently, Cecil serves as vice chairman of the Lee County Board of County Commissioners. He is also chairman of the Tourist Development Council and acts as the commission liaison to the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, Public Safety Coordinating Council, Estero Bay Agency, and the Transportation and Expressway Authority Membership of Florida (TEAMFL). In addition, he serves as a commission member for the following organizations: Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA), Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Lee Memorial Health System Trauma Advisory Committee, Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free SWFL Advisory Council, and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Foundation Board. Cecil was most recently appointed to the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Board of Directors and nominated to serve as audit chair for the Commission on Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. Cecil was named 2013 Elected Official of the Year by the News-Press in recognition for his exemplary work on the Lee County Commission. In June 2014, he earned his County Commissioner Certification (CCC) from Florida Association of Counties (FAC) and in June 2015 earned his Advanced County Commissioner (ACC) Certification. Cecil appreciates the importance of preserving and protecting the Florida ecosystem while promoting responsible growth to stimulate the local economy. He is committed to protecting our community by controlling spending, creating a business-friendly environment to stimulate job growth, maintaining a safe/secure public safety program and safeguarding our area’s natural resources. On August 26, 2014, Cecil\'s abilities as an effective leader, communicator, and community steward were confirmed, as he was re-elected for a second term with overwhelming support. He is honored and privileged to serve the citizens of Lee County.