Polk County confirms Tory Bateman as human-resources director

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners on July 7 unanimously confirmed County Manager Bill Beasley’s appointment of Tory Bateman as the county’s new Human Resources Division director, effective immediately.

Beasley told the board he had appointed Bateman after a public solicitation and described her experience leading strategic people operations, workplace compliance and workforce development. He said the position is authorized in the current adopted budget and that the negotiated base salary is $151,000, with employment benefits of approximately $42,370. "I would request that the board confirm my recommended appointment of miss Tory Bateman to serve as Polk County's next human resources division director effective today, 07/07/2026," he said.

Bateman addressed the board and thanked commissioners for the opportunity. "I'm very excited to come in and to serve Polk County and the community," she said. Commissioners offered congratulations and welcomed Bateman to the county staff.

The confirmation vote was made, seconded and approved by voice vote; no commissioners recorded opposition. The manager noted the position is funded in the current budget; no additional budget appropriation was requested at the meeting.