In a significant leadership transition, the City of Sarasota appointed Jennifer Jorgensen as the Interim City Manager on March 6, 2026. This change follows the retirement of Dave Bullock, who briefly returned from retirement to serve as the Interim City Manager. Jorgensen, previously the Director of Governmental Affairs, will hold the position until Karie Friling, identified as the ideal candidate through a comprehensive national search, assumes the permanent role.

This leadership shift comes at a pivotal time for Sarasota, a city known for its vibrant cultural scene and rapid growth. Over the past decade, Sarasota has experienced both population expansion and economic development, prompting the need for steady and experienced leadership in its city management. Jorgensen, with her extensive background in governmental affairs and her familiarity with Sarasota’s administrative dynamics, is expected to provide continuity and stability during this transitional period.

The upcoming permanent City Manager, Karie Friling, brings a wealth of experience in public sector management. Her selection is a result of an exhaustive national search aimed at finding a leader capable of navigating Sarasota’s unique challenges and opportunities. Friling’s background suggests she is well-equipped to tackle issues such as urban planning, sustainability, and community engagement, all of which are critical to Sarasota’s future.

The integration of new leadership is essential for maintaining Sarasota’s trajectory of growth and innovation. Jorgensen’s interim leadership will lay the groundwork for Friling’s long-term strategy, ensuring that Sarasota continues to thrive as a desirable location for residents and businesses alike. As preparations for this transition unfold, stakeholders in the Sarasota community will be looking closely at how this change affects the city’s development and governance strategies.