County names new director of Planning and Development Services

Sarasota County has appointed Matt Osterhoudt as the new director of Planning and Development Services (PDS), effective March 6, 2017.

Osterhoudt has served Sarasota County for 17 years, most recently as interim director of the department since 2016. Previously, he served as senior manager for PDS, and oversaw development services and environmental protection.

Osterhoudt earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Bachelor of Science from North Carolina State University.

"Matt has shown during his time as interim director that he is a strong leader, who empowers his staff to approach their jobs with effective methods and a One Team approach," said Sarasota County Administrator Tom Harmer. "I'm looking forward to Matt leading the department in the future with a focus on customer service."

As director, Osterhoudt will be responsible for all oversight of planning, zoning, land development, neighborhood services, the Englewood Community Redevelopment Agency, environmental protection, code enforcement and building related services.

"I'm honored to be appointed to this position and to continue serving the citizens of Sarasota County" said Osterhoudt, who added, "I'm also honored to work with such talented and dedicated people who strive every day to make Sarasota County a premier community."

In addition to the appointment of Osterhoudt as director, several other changes are being implemented within the department with existing resources.

The senior manager position is being reclassified to create a new manager position that will oversee operations related to planning, zoning, neighborhood services and land development. Recruitment for this position will start immediately. In addition, an ombudsman is being designated who will report directly to Osterhoudt, and a position is being dedicated to serve as the county-wide facilitator of the Sarasota County Development Review Committee.