Whitmore 34218 Consulting

  On her own from the age of 15, Carol supported herself by working nights at a nursing home while earning her diploma from Manatee High School in 1973. She then enrolled at Manatee Technical College, where she received her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1977. 

She worked at Manatee Memorial in their Critical Care Department. The administration recognized her relationships with patients, physicians, and the staff with her appointment as the newly created Director of Physician Relations. Eventually, she became Director of Risk Management, a position she held until 1991, when Carol joined Manatee Springs, a head injury rehabilitation facility, as Admissions Coordinator. She worked as an office manager for three plastic surgeons and at Florida Home Health as an RN care manager until recently. 

  Having grown up on Anna Maria Island, Carol started her local government service in 1991 when she was elected to the Holmes Beach City Commission. She later served as Mayor of the City of Holmes Beach from 1998 – 2006. She was elected to the Manatee Board of County Commissioners in 2006 and re-elected in 2010, 2014, and 2018. Carol has chaired several committees, such as Port Manatee, Manatee County Civic Center Authority, and the Tourist Development Council. She is currently the chair of the Transportation Disadvantaged Board, an alternate chair to the Tourist Development Council, an alternate board member of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Management Board, and the Environmental Lands Management Board. Appointed by Governor Scott, Carol sat on the Board of the State Medical Examiners Commission, was selected by former Senate President Bill Galvano to serve as the chair of the State Efficiency Task Force, and sits on the West Coast Inland Management State Board.

 Despite difficult times, I continue to work to ensure Manatee County's future is sound and sustainable. Now in the private sector, I seek fiscal efficiencies that serve the entire organization. My balanced approach never minimizes crucial items like program development and fundraising goals. Through leadership and advocacy, I have been a voice for those at risk by serving on the Elder Abuse Committee and Animal Abuse Committee.  Former Senate President Galvano appointed me in Sept. 2019 to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs Advisory Council. 

My service experience has taught me that building consensus, not seeking division, is critical to remedying the issues and challenges ahead.