County promotes sustainability manager to program director

SARASOTA — Lee Hayes Byron was named the new director of Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability. 

Byron has worked with Sarasota County government since 2005. According to a press release, she started her career as a land manager in the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection program. She has been the county's sustainability manager since 2008. In 2014, the sustainability program merged with the Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension. As sustainability manager, Byron oversaw the addition of more than $4 million in grand funds to support the county's sustainability education and outreach programs. 

Previously, Byron worked in Washington, D.C., as the coordinator of the U.S. Climate Action Network, a coalition of environmental organizations working to establish climate change policies at the state, federal and international levels. 

"We believe that Lee Hayes' experience and tenure with the county will be a tremendous benefit to both organizations and the greater community," says Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis in a statement. "She has played an integral role in Sarasota County's efforts to serve as environmental stewards."

UF/IFAS Extension provides education for individuals and organizations through community initiatives, classes and volunteer opportunities related to food systems; water and environmental resources; and youth and community resource development. 

Byron is expected to start her new role on April 20.