The Person Behind the Curtain: Your County Administrator

Who Keeps Our Civic Institutions Running?

Many residents may not be fully aware of the professional background of our county administrator, who has held the position since 2011. It’s understandable that some of us were too young at the time, not paying attention, or simply didn’t take an interest in local governance when he was first hired. Many residents place their trust in elected officials to make informed decisions, believing they will select the best candidates for key roles. However, as we reflect on his tenure, it’s crucial to investigate his qualifications and experience to better understand how our elected officials have shaped the administration and especially the growth of our county.

Obtaining Records to Examine Care and Competency

Under public records law, applications and full employment files of government employees are accessible to the public, albeit with the possibility of redaction to protect sensitive information. Citizens have the right to request these records at any time, provided they follow proper protocols. When making such requests, it is important to remember to specify any pertinent documents, including records of disciplinary actions, employee-employer contracts, resumes, cover letters, and separation paperwork, if applicable. Understanding the scope of public records can empower citizens to seek transparency and accountability within government operations, ensuring that the conduct and qualifications of public servants are properly scrutinized.

Years ago, a contributor to the Wakulla Reports took the initiative to request the full employee applications of all individuals who applied for the county administrator position following the relief of County Administrator Ben Pingree from his duties. This inquiry aimed to shed light on the selection process and provide transparency regarding the qualifications and backgrounds of the candidates vying for such an important role in the county's administration. As the county sought to move forward, understanding the pool of applicants became essential for ensuring that the new administrator would meet the expectations and needs of the community. But did they select the best candidate? You decide, we are just brining you the receipts!

What the Documents Show

J. David Edwards embarked on his professional journey after spending two years at South Georgia Tech in Thomasville, Georgia. In 1982, he joined Bald Head Island Management Limited, starting at a modest wage of $5.00 per hour (think 1982). This now developed island boasts a rich history, having been shaped by the Mitchell family since 1983, which aligns with Edward's beginning of employment. Over the years, Bald Head Island has transformed into a developed community only accessible by ferry.

After his seemingly successful tenure at Bald Head Limited in North Carolina, he began employment at Bluegreen Communities in Atlanta, GA, where he served as Vice President of Development Operations. His resume touts that he generated millions in revenue through various development activities and even lists them, and the dollar amounts! Later, in the same year he began employment with Wakulla County BOCC, a RICO case was filed against Bluegreen Communities, with Edwards specifically named in the lawsuit. However, this lawsuit, which initially may have had the potential to evolve into a class action (see associated documents), was eventually abruptly voluntarily dismissed, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding its abandonment.

The development that was mentioned in the RICO case ties to the Sanctuary Cover & Estates Development in Camden County, GA shown above. The suit was filed in March of 2011. Edwards application to the Wakulla County BOCC was dated January 25, 2011 with a date available listed as "immediate" and he was voted in as the next County Administrator in June of 2011, with a start date in October of 2011. The suit outlines Edwards as one of the high level officers of Bluegreen Communities of Georgia, LLC and/or of Bluegreen Corporation. Below is the first two pages of the lawsuit. The issue would later enjoin more plaintiffs. The documents in this case are voluminous and while we did not pull all of them, what we did pull are located on the MediaFire drive for your digestion.

Back to the Resume

While being employed by Bluegreen from 1997 - 2008 the resume also lists an employment period with St. Joe Company in Panama City, FL (2006 - 2007) as a Vice President of Community Development. This position lists a starting and ending salary of $165,000.00 per year and states the reason for leaving was corporate downsizing. This portion of the resume also lists communities managed.

The last and most recent employment history displayed by Edwards resume is with Allen's Excavation as a Project Manager in Tallahassee, FL with a salary of $60k per year which is a far cry from the financial gain he experienced prior.

Who Were the Other Candidates?

The county administrator position attracted notable candidates, including Pam Portwood and Richard Reade. Richard Reade held a master's degree in public administration from Florida State University. His professional experience was extensive, encompassing roles as city and assistant city manager in Delray Beach, Port Richey, and Auburndale, Florida. Additionally, he had entrepreneurial experience, running a business that assistsed developers in navigating the approval process. His resume displayed knowledge of all facets of civic institution function including but not limited to: budgeting, human resources management, policy planning, grant funding and the like.

Pam Portwood was serving as the director of the Tourist Development Council in Wakulla County, Florida at the time she applied. Her resume also included roles such as the resource development officer for Tallahassee Community College, program coordinator for Big Bend Scenic Byway, and program manager for various initiatives, showcasing her versatility and commitment to community. While Pam's experience was not quite as well rounded as the aforementioned candidate, she certainly had intricate knowledge of government process, procedures, and especially grant funding.

It is important to note that at 2011 Wakulla News Article that Reade withdrew. However, the board had until October to find an appropriate candidate and, instead, moved forward with Edwards.

Newspaper Clips of Historical Value for Education

In June, amidst the deliberations of the Wakulla County Commission, the news clips below reflected a significant decision: the selection of Edwards as the new county administrator. Commissioner supporters Jerry Moore, a real estate developer, and Randy Merritt, a well-known engineer, voiced their approval for this choice. However, the decision was not unanimous, as two commissioners expressed their opposition, with Commissioner Brock sitting uncomfortably on the fence, ultimately being the tiebreaker in favor. Although the formal hiring process was not expected to conclude until October, the commission's decision to expedite the selection process marked a turning point in the community’s governance, setting a new course for future development.

Notable Bullet Points/Questions?

• Seasoned developer with knowledge of planning, permitting, investor fund building, sales, revenue and all things real estate development.

• Limited (or unhighlighted) knowledge of human resources, policy making, grant acquisition, accounting (yes, some is included in budget but not all), and diverse administration experience.

• The IRS and financial disclosure issues mentioned in the 2011 article displayed above prompted much question about honesty from the onset. (A earlier article is included on the MediaFire drive.

• Salary information indicates he began at $75k per year and had an ending salary of $125K - $400K per year but, he had a tax lien? That's interesting.

• A later ethics investigation.

• What firms did Edwards bring with him from his vast real estate development experience to help him with county operations? Any favorites?

• Who is Edwards related to? His resume states that he is a 5th Generation Wakullan.

• The County Administrator was hired at a salary of $82,830.00 per year in 2011 with a county take home vehicle and cell phone.

• In 2013 an amendment to the employment contract was executed to add annual leave and sick leave following the same lead as the State of Florida on separation payouts (annual up to 480 hours and sick 25% of up to 480 hours).

• In 2015 another amendment to the employment contract was executed for in increase in pay to $92,830.00.

• In 2018 another amendment to the employment contract was executed for an increase in pay to $100,436.00 plus reimbursement for employee benefit deductions totaling $9,323.00 bringing his total compensation package to $109,759.00 annually. In essence, additional monetary compensation plus the coverage of 3% to the Florida Retirement System plus coverage of the administrators portion of county provided insurance premiums.

• In 2022 the last most recent amendment to the employment contract was executed for an increase in pay to $133,123.00 plus reimbursement for all employee benefit expenses PLUS a clause stating the following: "Commencing October 1, 2022, the Base Salary set forth in Section 2(A) will be adjusted annually based upon the higher of the following: 1. the regular across the board cost of living increase percentage given to Wakulla County Staff, or 2. the cost of living increase percentage given to constitutional officers in Wakulla County i.e., Sheriff, Clerk of Court, etc." This contract also made his salary increase retroactive to October 1, 2021.

As always, you decide.