Governmental Affairs Director to serve as Interim City of Sarasota Manager

 

 

Governmental Affairs Director to serve as Interim City of Sarasota Manager

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

 

 

 
City of Sarasota, FL: Jennifer Jorgensen, the City’s Director of Governmental Affairs, will serve as Interim City Manager effective Friday, March 6 at 5:01 p.m. when current Interim City Manager Dave Bullock steps down to resume retirement.
 
Jorgensen was unanimously appointed by the City Commission in February to fill the gap until a new City Manager is in position soon. Last week, following a national search, the City Commission extended a conditional employment offer to Karie Friling, a seasoned public sector executive, to serve as the next City Manager.
 
“I’m honored the City Commission has faith and confidence in me to serve in this temporary role,” said incoming Interim City Manager Jennifer Jorgensen. “We have a dedicated team and we’re committed to serving the community. Thank you to Dave Bullock for his insightful counsel and wisdom and to Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson and the department directors for their support during this short-term appointment.”
 
Jorgensen was hired in January 2023 as the Governmental Relations Manager then promoted to Director of Governmental Affairs in December 2023. She is responsible for the City’s legislative strategy and policy goals, Procurement Division, Special Events, and Grants. Jorgensen also is the senior staff point person coordinating with The Bay Park Conservancy for the buildout of the park and the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation working toward a new performing arts center for the community.
 
Directly prior to joining the City of Sarasota, Jorgensen was employed by The Walt Disney Company with responsibilities that included overseeing global vendor strategy, negotiating and administering vendor and service agreements while collaborating with technology, finance and legal.
 
Jorgensen earned a Juris Doctor with distinction from the University of Nebraska College of Law. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication from the University of Minnesota.