10
days, she nearly accepted a position for Sarasota County, but the
telephone rang the next morning. Manatee County wanted her.
“Manatee County is unique,” said Coryea. “I’m from a small town
where people help each other. That’s what this place is. It’s where
everyone rolls up their sleeves to work together, and I wanted to
be a part of this community.”
The first chapter of her role in Manatee County will always read
as a special beginning for Coryea. She helped create and mold
the first Children Services Advisory Board and develop the
Children’s Services Fund from its inception in 1991 and grow it
to a current annual budget of $15 million.
“This was amazing because we looked at over 100 applicants,”
said Coryea who raised two daughters in this community and
her first one was born during this time. “They all wanted to be
a part of this. The formation of CSAB will always be special.”
As her daughters grew, they often would tackle homework on the
sidelines of CSAB meetings, pausing to listen and absorb the
world of service and philanthropy. As a young mom, Coryea felt
lucky to tap into so many organizations serving children.
“I felt like I had a whole set of experts to consult with at my
fingertips,” said Coryea. “When my daughters were in middle
school, someone told me to let your kids know you made mistakes.
Let them know how you learned from them. This really stuck with
me and helped start a lot of conversations with my teenagers.”
Coryea’s career journey unfolds like an honored storybook
tale of service. Not only did she oversee the two Community
Redevelopment Area budgets of $2.5 million annually, but she
also pioneered the creation of the Southwest Tax Increment
Financing District in 2014.
She exudes positive energy, and her drive to refine, create, and
problem solve leaps from the long and winding list of the many
key county initiatives she has helped develop that will leave
anyone who tries to rattle them off breathless. These include:
creation of the Economic Development Incentive Program,
Health Care for the medically needy, Children’s Services Tax,
Manatee Millennial Movement, Community Development Block
Grant, Rubonia Community Center renovations, and the Norma
Lloyd Park Development.
Focusing on strengthening community relationships with more
than 150 not-for-profit agencies, hospitals and intergovernmental
organizations, Coryea as Neighborhood Services Director,
managed an annual budget of over $44 million including federal,
state, and local grants.
“Cheri is an amazing individual,” said former County Commissioner
and current Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie at the
confirmation meeting. “You’re not going to find anyone any better.
She’s moved up from the ranks, and she knows all the players.
She will do an excellent job. Not a single person who has worked
with her can name something she’s failed at. You give her a job,
and she nails it with dignity, with honor, and with heart.”
When Coryea is not advocating for her community, she finds
peace and relaxation heading outdoors. She often likes to head
to the barn where her family has a horse and she jokes they
have a 1200 pound son – their horse. Cardinals, bluebirds and
woodpeckers swirl above her and swoop down to tweet hellos
while she gardens. Time away from the office usually involves
indulging in trips to visit family still living up north.
However, she’s quick to add, “I also love my work family. We rely
on each other a lot and they have been so supportive to me.”
While Coryea shares excitement for the future, she also
acknowledges challenges loom ahead, including the chance
her year-long position may not transform into a permanent one.
Coryea does not hold a bachelor’s degree, a requirement for
County Administrator. At 59, she has enrolled in college and is
pursing the final 36 credits she needs for a degree while listening
to the supportive chants from family and friends.
“That’s my Sunday,” Coryea said with a wide smile. “I work on
my degree then. I value education, and it’s always been on my
important list.”
After crossing into Bradenton 30 years ago, Coryea and her
husband pulled over on the south-side of the bridge, awestruck,
to stare and marvel at their new home.
“Then I realized I still had to go to work,” Coryea chuckled.
Her supporters are thankful she did.
Cheri, Simone Peterson (Neighborhood Connections and M3
Leader), Ogden Clark (Neighborhood Connections and M3 Leader)
and baby Frankie Clark!