City News Blog: City Manager Shawn Sherrouse Appoints Ashley Stathatos as Assistant City Manager
LAKELAND, FL (April 7, 2025) | City Manager Shawn Sherrouse is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashley Stathatos as Assistant City Manager for the City of Lakeland, effective Monday, April 7, 2025. Stathatos brings over 30 years of experience in municipal government, most recently serving as City Manager of High Springs, Florida. Her extensive career also includes 25 years in various leadership roles within local governments across Texas.
“I’m excited to welcome Ashley to our leadership team,” said Sherrouse. “Her extensive background, results-oriented mindset, and deep commitment to community engagement will be invaluable assets. With a municipal career that began in 1995, she is well-positioned to make an immediate and lasting impact in Lakeland.”
He added, “She has led cities through strategic planning processes, developed new strategic plans, and overseen their successful implementation. Her experience also includes crafting comprehensive plans, master plans, major corridor plans, and redevelopment plans. With a strong background in managing municipal budgets, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving organizational improvements, she brings a proven track record of effective leadership. Having served as both a City Administrator and City Manager in a variety of communities, she offers a unique and well-rounded perspective that will greatly benefit our staff and the community.”
Stathatos specializes in strategic planning, comprehensive plan development, program-based budgeting, process improvement, and policy formulation. Her past roles span several Texas communities, including the Cities of Anna, Justin, Haslet, Colleyville, Oak Point, Southlake, and North Richland Hills. “I’m honored to serve as Assistant City Manager,” said Stathatos. “Lakeland is a vibrant and welcoming community that beautifully blends historic charm with forward-thinking development. I look forward to working alongside City leadership and staff to support the community’s goals and vision.”
Stathatos holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Virginia Tech.
Contact
Kevin Cook
Director of Communications
City of Lakeland
863.834.6264
Kevin.Cook@LakelandGov.net
About Lakeland
The City of Lakeland was incorporated in January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current population fast approaching 130,000 Lakeland continues to grow. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for over 30 years. With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only an hour away, Lakeland continues to capitalize on its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The City owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third largest publicly owned utility in Florida and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State in 1889.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net. Citizens are also invited to follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Snapchat and Nextdoor. Citizens can find the City of Lakeland on these social media platforms by searching lakelandgov.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please explore LakelandGov.net.
Citizens are also invited to follow the City on social media.