Congratulations to Lake Alfred City Manager Ryan Leavengood!  Ryan was recently named the Ridge League of Cities 2025 Municipal Official of the Year and awarded the Nettie B. Draughon Award.  This annual award is named in memory of former Ridge League of Cities Executive Director Nettie Draughon who worked in municipal government for 57 years, rising from secretary to city manager with the City of Plant City.  Nettie served as a reminder of what an honorable career public service can be. 

In the nomination letter from the City of Lake Alfred, Mayor Mac Fuller stated that throughout his career, Ryan has proven to be a results-driven leader with exceptional communications skills and the ability to build relationships with all the local municipalities.  In addition to his service to the Lake Alfred community, Leavengood has had a regional impact with his chairmanship of the Polk County Managers Group, being instrumental in the formation of the Polk County Water Cooperative, serving on the University of South Florida Public Administration Advisory Board, and recipient of the Florida League of Cities “Home Rule Hero” Award for his advocacy work this past legislative session in Tallahassee on behalf of Florida cities. 

Casey Cook, Executive Director of the Florida City and County Management Association called Leavengood a “shining star” in municipal management.  Cook suggested managers from around the state call Ryan for his counselling and advice, and that Ryan is committed to integrity and excellence in public service.  Mayor Fuller added that Ryan Leavengood has been a blessing to the City of Lake Alfred.

The Ridge League has presented the Nettie Draughon Municipal Official of the Year Award since 1994. This year’s recognition was made at the September Ridge League Membership Dinner Meeting held in Lakeland.  Last year’s recipient Auburndale Mayor Dorothea Taylor Bogert presented Leavengood with the honor.  Congratulations Ryan!