This letter was originally published in the Florida Association of Counties newsletter.
Thank you for attending the 2015 FAC Annual Conference and for your support during the last 10 years. This final conference with FAC is a bittersweet time for me as I say goodbye to what has been an incredible experience as the Executive Director and look toward my own future outside of the organization. Having served both in local government and as Executive Director of FAC I am as confident and sure of the importance of home rule and the impact that Florida’s counties have on our communities as I was when I began my career 40 years ago.
Throughout my years here I have seen counties come together to defeat harmful constitutional amendments, continue to provide essential services in the face of economic hardship, and even take on Washington to ensure that Florida’s needs are met on a national level. Even as we continue to work outside of the association we have continued to grow within. Our Education programs have flourished thanks to our partnership with UF IFAS and we have built some extraordinary relationships with our Corporate Partners and through our Enterprise programs. I am confident that FAC will continue to find innovative ways to progress our mission and grow our economic and educational opportunities.
During my time at FAC I have come to think of many of our county commissioners and staff as friends and even family. Many of you know that I will be returning to my county and my panhandle roots as I have taken a position in Gulf County so I will not be far away. It has been a privilege to serve our counties and our communities. Thank you for a great ten years at FAC.
Sincerely,
Chris Holley
