WAUCHULA, Fla. – The The Development Group marked a new chapter in its leadership on Thursday, October 9, as Sarah Evers participated in her first board meeting as Chief Executive Officer. Evers presented a comprehensive 90-Day Plan focused on strengthening financial stewardship, strategic alignment, and community partnerships.
In her opening remarks, Evers expressed gratitude for the board’s confidence and outlined her vision for building upon the organization’s strong foundation.
“I am honored and consider it a privilege to serve as CEO of this organization,” Evers said. “This board, along with our leadership and staff, has laid a strong foundation, and I look forward to building upon it to create generational impact for the people of Hardee County. We have an obligation to protect and preserve the unique funding resource entrusted to us and use it to create lasting, impactful change for this community.”
Evers emphasized that the organization’s success is rooted in its people, commending the expertise and professionalism of The Development Group’s staff.
“Each of our staff members has a unique skill set that, together, creates a truly qualified and professional team that performs with excellence in everything we do,” she said. “You will hear me say the word ‘excellence’ often, because I know this board expects it, our County Commissioners expect it, and, most importantly, the citizens of this community expect it.”
Seven Key Areas of Focus
Evers’s 90-Day Plan outlines seven key priorities designed to strengthen internal operations and drive long-term community impact:
Financial Clarity and Budget Discipline – Conducting a comprehensive review of the organization’s $45 million budget, refining expense tracking, and creating a financial dashboard for board members and county commissioners.
Project Prioritization and Execution – Implementing project inventory and close-out processes to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with the organization’s five strategic pillars.
Governance and Board Relations – Launching enhanced onboarding for new members, hosting governance workshops, and updating policies and procedures to strengthen accountability and compliance.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication – Developing a strategic communications plan, increasing visibility through newsletters and community outreach, and strengthening relationships with county and regional partners.
Organizational Reputation and Trust – Establishing consistent messaging and transparency standards to build confidence among stakeholders and the public.
Community and Economic Development Initiatives – Focusing on placemaking, business recruitment, and housing partnerships while creating a “Community Committee” of emerging leaders to foster local innovation and engagement.
Organizational Alignment and Team Development – Conducting staff evaluations, identifying professional development opportunities, and launching weekly leadership huddles to ensure strategic alignment and operational excellence.
Evers noted that the next 90 days will be pivotal in setting the tone for her administration.
“This plan builds upon the foundations this board has supported, elevating us as an organization and positioning our community for generational success,” she said. “Our staff is ready to work hard to make the next 90 days impactful and create the framework for the next generation of success for Hardee County.”
The Development Group Board members expressed their support for the plan and their confidence in Evers. Under Evers’s leadership, The Development Group aims to advance its mission of fostering economic growth, community development, and long-term prosperity throughout Hardee County.
About The Development Group
The Development Group serves as Hardee County’s lead organization for economic and community development. Working under the direction of the Hardee County Industrial Development Authority, the organization focuses on initiatives that strengthen the local economy, enhance quality of life, and create sustainable opportunities for residents and businesses.
Media Contact:
The Development Group
107 E. Main Street
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-3030
www.thedevelopmentgroup.net