BARTOW, FL — Ryan Taylor was unanimously approved by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday to serve as the county’s next county manager.
Taylor will succeed current County Manager Bill Beasley and officially begin his new role Jan. 16, 2027. Beasley, who has worked for Polk County for 20 years and served as county manager for the past nine years, will retire Jan. 15.
“I truly appreciate the opportunity and the confidence the board has placed in me,” Taylor said. “When the time comes, it will be an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of Polk County in this new role.”
Taylor joined Polk County government in 2017 as an assistant county manager. He became Deputy County Manager of Infrastructure in 2019 and currently serves as Deputy County Manager of Support and Human Services.
Before joining Polk County, Taylor served four years as Dundee town manager and previously served as Davenport city manager.
As county manager, Taylor will oversee county administration, including the budget, staffing, economic development, land-use planning, community relations and regulatory compliance.
Taylor earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and is a Certified Public Manager through Florida State University.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
