Gaye Sharpe, Tabitha Biehl and Jeff Spence
The Polk County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the appointment of Tabitha Biehl as the new director of Polk County Parks and Natural Resources.
She succeeds Gaye Sharpe, who is retiring. She officially assumes the position Oct. 27.
Biehl has been at the county for 20 years in various roles in the Polk County Enviornmental Lands Program and brings a broad experience in land management, securing grants, expanding environmental education and other related fields.
County Manager Bill Beasley cited her varied professional background in seeking commission approval for her promotion from her position as land and water natural areas manager. She had held that position since 2018.
Before the vote, commissioners praised the good reputation she and Ms Sharpe had in the community and her ability to make the details of technical projects understandable to the general public.
Also present at Tuesday’s meeting was Jeff Spence, who preceded Sharpe and Biehl in that position.
Looking ahead Biehl discussed the importance of protecting natural resources and making the county’s parks and natural resource sites accessible to the public.