SARASOTA COUNTY - Sarasota County Commissioner Charles D. Hines was recently presented with the Certified County Commissioner (CCC) designation following completion of a comprehensive study program developed by the Florida Association of Counties (FAC).

Commissioner Hines received the designation with 10 other county commissioners during an awards ceremony held earlier this summer at the FAC Annual Conference in Palm Beach County.  

CCC certification is not a requirement to serve as a county commissioner in Florida. However, county commissioners may voluntarily enroll in the program and complete a series of courses totaling 45 hours. The coursework is designed to provide information and enhance skills relevant to a commissioner's duties and responsibilities as an elected official.

"This certification provides our citizen electorate with valuable tools to assist them in their public service," said FAC Executive Director Ginger Delegal. "The more than 400 graduates of this program have shown an exceptional commitment to serving Florida's counties."

The CCC program coursework covers a variety of topics, such as ethics and sunshine law, county government roles and responsibilities, county government structure and authority, financial management negotiation skills, economic development and effective communication. Completion of all coursework averages 12 to 18 months. The University of Florida/IFAS Extension sponsors the program.

"I am honored to have taken part in this valuable training program, and I look forward to applying the skills I learned to better serve my constituents and the people of Sarasota County."

Hines, who represents Sarasota County's District 5, was elected to the commission in 2012 and re-elected in 2016.