City News Blog: City Manager Shawn Sherrouse Appoints Scott Bishop as Interim General Manager of Lakeland Electric
LAKELAND, FL (July 31, 2026) - City Manager Shawn Sherrouse is pleased to appoint Mr. Scott Bishop as Interim General Manager of Lakeland Electric, citing his extensive leadership experience and commitment to public service.
“Mr. Bishop’s more than two decades of combined public and private sector experience, operational expertise, innovative approach and collaborative leadership have prepared him well to serve as our Interim General Manager,” said Sherrouse.
Bishop, who joined Lakeland Electric in 2012, most recently served as Assistant General Manager for Energy Delivery. During his 14-year tenure, he has helped lead some of the utility's most significant operational and technological initiatives while overseeing the reliable delivery of electric service to the community. Prior to his role as Assistant General Manager, Bishop served as Emerging Technology Manager, where he led efforts focused on renewable energy, battery storage, electric vehicle infrastructure, energy efficiency and other innovative programs designed to prepare the utility for the future. Bishop’s leadership experience in both the public and private sectors, give him a broad perspective on utility operations, innovation and customer service.
Before joining Lakeland Electric, Bishop spent 11 years with Georgia Power, where he held leadership positions in system operations, advanced control systems and utility technology. He has more than 25 years of experience in the electric utility industry and holds an associate degree in mechanical design, a bachelor’s degree in technology management from Clayton State University and a Master of Business Administration from Columbus State University.
“Mr. Bishop has shared that his priority is supporting the organization during this transition as he does not intend to pursue the permanent General Manager position. Once again, he is demonstrating his unwavering dedication and loyal service to our residents and Lakeland Electric employees. We are grateful for his willingness to step forward and lead,” said Sherrouse. “I have complete confidence in Mr. Bishop and the entire talented and capable team at Lakeland Electric to navigate this transition seamlessly, ensuring the exceptional service our customers and community rely on every day.”
As Interim General Manager, Bishop will oversee Florida's third largest public power utility, ensuring the continued delivery of affordable, dependable, and sustainable service while supporting Lakeland Electric’s strategic priorities, employees and customers.
Bishop said he is honored for this opportunity to serve and recognizes that the strength of Lakeland Electric has always been its people and their commitment to service.
"Lakeland Electric has an exceptional team of employees who are committed to serving our customers every day," Bishop said. " The interim general manager role is not about having all the answers—it's about bringing together the talented people who do extraordinary work every day and ensuring they have the support, direction, and trust they need to succeed. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated employees as we continue providing reliable service, embracing innovation and serving the people of Lakeland."
About Lakeland Electric
Lakeland Electric is the third-largest public power utility in the State of Florida, serving 144,000 customers. It is one of the first utilities established in Florida, having begun operations in 1889 before being purchased by the City of Lakeland in 1904. Today, Lakeland Electric's 246 square mile territory serves the City of Lakeland, Polk City and its environs with affordable, dependable, and sustainable electric power. Lakeland Electric is designated as a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) by the American Public Power Association, a rigorous, third-party recognition of operational excellence in reliability, workforce, and sustainability. Learn more at www.LakelandElectric.com