Sarasota commissioners pick Kussinger as 2026 chair; Smith vice chair, Masse pro tem

Ron Kussinger was selected by the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners as its chair for 2026, with Mark Smith chosen as vice chair and Teresa Masse named pro tem. Commissioners made the appointments at their Dec. 12 strategic planning retreat at Nathan Benderson Park; each post is effective Jan. 1, 2026.

The organizational session also included assignments of primary and alternate commissioner representatives to dozens of boards and regional bodies — from the airport advisory commission and the MPO to the Bay Park Improvement Board and various regional planning councils. Staff said those assignments reflect both commissioner preferences and the need to ensure continuity on committees that often meet during weekday business hours.

Commissioners spoke briefly while staff read the roster; several members asked staff to check scheduling conflicts and to allow staff appointees to attend meetings where county commissioners are unable to serve. No formal recorded roll-call vote for the chair and vice-chair was recorded in the transcript; the chair announced the selections after nominations were made.