MANATEE COUNTY, FL (March 4, 2025) – The Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has unanimously confirmed Sarah Brown as the new Director of Community and Veterans Services (CVS).
Sarah had been serving as the Deputy Director for Community and Veterans Services at Manatee County, overseeing Probation, Veterans Services, and Animal Welfare since December 2023.
“You have my full and absolute support in your previous role,” said Manatee County Commission Chair George Kruse. “You have my full and absolute support in your future role, and I look forward to continuing to work with you and seeing you grow this department even further.”
Brown helped organize the largest volunteer outreach initiative in Manatee County history during Milton, leaned forward, and held a successful Adoptapalooza/reunification event in the wake of back-to-back-to-back hurricanes. Prior to that, Brown spent over seven years as the Division Chief for Manatee County Animal Welfare, where she played a pivotal role in advancing animal welfare initiatives and programs. Under her leadership, she brought the shelter to a no-kill status, maintaining a 90% or higher save rate since October 2017.
Brown was recently honored by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce with the prestigious Chair Award for her exemplary leadership through three devastating storms this past summer, serving as the Human Services Branch Director in the County’s Emergency Operations Center. She will also be recognized on March 13th as a 2025 Spirit of Manatee honoree.
She holds a master’s degree in public administration, a bachelor’s degree in journalism (with a specialization in Public Relations) and has earned Project Management and Executive Leadership Certifications.
“I am so honored to be leading this amazing group serving Manatee County,” she said. “Community and Veterans Services touches every resident – from the youngest to oldest – every day.”
CVS staffers manage programs and services that help Manatee County residents in improving in all stages of life and learning. Children’s Services works with kids through age seventeen through an array of prevention, intervention, and treatment programs, while Adult and Aging Services helps keep older residents stay relevant – and active. Veteran Services provides that important link for over 40,000 vets -- and their dependents – to get the benefits they have earned.
County Probation works to supervise and monitor defendants, as ordered by our county’s courts. Manatee County Animal Welfare helps maintain public safety and health through the enforcement of laws and ordinances related to animals, promoting responsible pet ownership and adoptions and working to reduce pet overpopulation.
The Neighborhood Connections division provides resources to residents who are willing to help themselves -- creating more livable communities, while Community Development workers empower people and strengthen neighborhoods to create healthy, viable communities through affordable housing initiatives and programs.