Hardee County Announces Appointment of John M. Eason as County Manager

WAUCHULA, Fla. — August 3rd, 2026 — The Hardee County Board of County Commissioners has appointed John M. Eason, MPA, to serve as Hardee County Manager. Eason will officially begin his new role on August 6, 2026, following the retirement of County Manager Terry Atchley.

The Board unanimously approved Eason’s employment agreement during its July 16 meeting.

Eason brings nearly three decades of public-sector experience to the position, with an extensive background in executive administration, municipal operations, infrastructure, public safety, emergency management, strategic planning, grant administration and intergovernmental relations.

“John brings a strong combination of executive leadership, local knowledge and public-service experience to Hardee County,” said Board Chair Flores. “His familiarity with our community and his experience managing complex governmental operations will help provide continuity while positioning the County for continued progress.”

Eason has served as Deputy City Manager for the City of Wauchula since May 2023, providing executive oversight of municipal operations that include public works, utilities, solid waste, airport operations, fleet maintenance, roads and public safety services. In that role, he has helped manage a municipal budget exceeding $26 million and has overseen major infrastructure, resiliency, transportation, utility and economic development initiatives.

His previous service includes more than a decade as Wauchula’s Chief of Police and Assistant City Manager, several municipal law-enforcement leadership positions, service as an adjunct instructor at South Florida State College, and prior roles with the Florida Department of Corrections and the United States Air Force.

Throughout his career, Eason has directly administered more than $63 million in local, state and federal grant-funded projects and provided executive oversight of approximately $93 million in citywide grant initiatives. He has also coordinated with agencies including the Florida Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and FloridaCommerce.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve Hardee County and work alongside the Board of County Commissioners, County employees and our community partners,” Eason said. “I look forward to building upon the strong foundation already in place while continuing to strengthen County operations, infrastructure and services for the people of Hardee County.”

Eason holds a Master of Science in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida, a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Polk State College and an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from South Florida State College.

He is also active in regional and community leadership, currently serving as vice chairman of the South Florida State College District Board of Trustees and the Recover Hardee Long-Term Recovery Group. His service has also included leadership roles with the AdventHealth Wauchula Foundation, Rotary Club of Hardee County, Heartland Rotary Freedom Flight and other community organizations.

The Board expressed its appreciation to Atchley for his years of dedicated leadership and service to Hardee County and looks forward to working with Eason as the County enters its next chapter.