I had the privilege of working with Kevin Beckner when we both served on the Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization. Kevin is an intelligent, ethical, and dedicated public servant who makes decisions based on what he believes is best for our community. He was known for his thorough preparation and robust dialogue regarding the issues at hand.
Joe Affronti, Sr.
Former Mayor, Temple Terrace
I have known Kevin for a long time and have always marveled at his commitment to the people of Hillsborough County. What I have admired most is his determination to include all and his appreciation of our diverse community.
Yolie Capin
Former Tampa City Councilwoman
Kevin’s experience as a financial planner, his understanding of Hillsborough County and his impeccable judgement and foresight make him an impeccable leader and public servant.
Joe Citro
Tampa City Council
Kevin has been a progressive leader in our community for years and his passion and drive have focused on the importance of diversity and inclusivity in our region. I’m excited to think about the continued progress and leadership that he will bring to our community or any other organization that he serves.
John Dingfelder
Tampa City Council
“Tax dollars wisely invested” is more than a campaign promise because Kevin Beckner recognizes that working to build a system that provides access to justice for all is a benefit to everyone. Now, more than ever, we need his combination of skills and leadership.
Cheri Donohue
Temple Terrace City Council
Serving with a vision and with compassion are qualities we need in today’s leaders. I have known Kevin Beckner since his time as a County Commissioner and I watched him bring people together to effect lasting change. As a former school board member, I know the challenges of public service and trust Kevin to act in the best interests of our community.
Doretha Edgecomb
Former Hillsborough County School Board Member
Not only do I respect Kevin Beckner for his experience, familiarity with the County, and financial background – but I’ve always admired his steel-eyed focus fighting for all the residents of Hillsborough County.
Orlando Gudes
Tampa City Council, District 5
As a countywide County Commissioner for District 6, Kevin Beckner has a record of standing up for Democratic ideals and justice for all. His pioneer work in juvenile justice reform is recognized as a model for communities across the state.
Patricia Kemp
Hillsborough County Commission
District 6 Countywide
Kevin Beckner is a natural leader and a dedicated public servant. From the day he was first elected, Kevin was a champion for Hillsborough County and its residents. Review his record; he fought for progress and change for all of us – not just some.
Darryl Rouson
FL State Senate, District 19
During my time on the County Commission, I always marveled at Kevin’s ability to work not only across the aisle but also with diverse groups of interest helping deliver new and important programs to the residents of Hillsborough.
Mark Sharpe
Former Hillsborough County Commissioner
As Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate, I served as our independent watchdog, protecting consumers from price gouging and insurance scams. I watched Kevin Beckner lead the fight for consumers’ rights on the Hillsborough County Commission, exposing bogus claims and tackling insurance fraud. His work with law enforcement on long-needed PIP reform resulted in lower insurance costs for all Floridians, and he convinced his fellow Commissioners to pursue a damages claim against BP Oil, resulting in the largest award of any county in Florida: $28.5 million. Kevin is focused, capable, and determined.
Sean Shaw
Former Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate, and State Representative, District 61
I have known Kevin Beckner for years and watched him serve with integrity and efficiency while on the board of the Hillsborough County Commission. With his years of public service as a County Commissioner balancing a $4 billion budget and over 17 years as a Certified Financial Planning Professional, Kevin is the right person to lead Hillsborough into the future.
Alex Sink
Former Chief Financial Officer, State of Florida
Kevin is smart, honest, and ethical. He cares deeply about good government and he pays attention to details.
Ed Turanchik
Attorney and Former County Commissioner
Kevin Beckner is a trailblazer with a commitment to service and a track record as a champion for fiscal responsibility, inclusion, and historic change in Hillsborough County.
Luis Viera
Tampa City Council Chair
I worked closely with Commissioner Beckner on Sun City Center’s proposal to develop a golf cart path to Walmart that had been tied up in bureaucratic red tape for years. Our success was due to Kevin’s leadership strength in bringing people together to find win-win solutions. I found Kevin to be a consistently honest, hardworking, and ethical County Commissioner during his 2 terms.
Edmund L. Barnes
Past President, Sun City Center Community Association
I have served in the Tamp Bay community for 20 years as an attorney and I have seen firsthand what Kevin Beckner can – and will – achieve as a public servant. Whether it be juvenile justice, violence prevention, employment for nonviolent ex-offenders, or insurance fraud – when Kevin decides to tackle something, he won’t rest until it’s done! He is ethical, focused, determined and dedicated.
Cordel Batchelor
Attorney & Office of Public Defender, Tampa
As County Commissioner, Kevin Beckner worked to expand the Civil Citation Program countywide to make sure our children get a second chance in life. He helped pave the way local policymakers address violence and post-incarceration continuums of care in the community. It’s refreshing to see leadership in action!
Robert Blount
Hillsborough County Resident
Kevin has always been an excellent public servant and watchdog of our tax dollars. His ‘thinking outside of the box’ serves us well.
Simon M. Canasi
Tampa Hispanic Heritage Man of the Year, 2019 and Former Hillsborough County Civil Service Board Member
As a former member of the Hillsborough Civil Service Board, I watched Kevin lead a collaborative effort among key stakeholders to create a new strategic plan for the Civil Service Board, including developing a new mission statement, vision statement, and goals. I also watched him implement innovative methodologies to incorporate paperless and web technology into our daily operations to make our organization more efficient and effective. Finally, I watched him manage taxpayer funds to successfully execute the many functions of our board and staff consistently under budget. Those qualities of collaborative leadership, visionary strategic planning, innovative use of technology, and efficient use of funds, when combined with his extensive network and knowledge of Hillsborough County operations, makes him an extraordinary leader.
Neal Carbaugh
Retired Colonel, United States Air Force
Former Hillsborough County Civil Service Board Member
Kevin Beckner is known as a champion for the residents of Hillsborough County, but it was his soft spot for at-risk populations that made him stand out to me. When Kevin served on the County Commission he lead the effort on impactful programs like Ready4Work and the Juvenile Task Force to foster opportunities in our underserved communities.
Ernest M. Coney, Jr.
President & CEO, Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc.
I know Kevin Beckner personally and am impressed by his professionalism and passion for the pursuit of excellence.
Ron Christaldi
Partner, Management Committee Member, President/CEO Shumaker Advisors Florida, LLC
I’ve known Kevin Beckner for two decades working with him most actively in his role as a County Commissioner and my capacity as Founding Director of Trinity Cafe, a not for profit restaurant that unconditionally serves a nutritious meal with love, care, dignity and respect to those in need. Kevin is ethical, smart, analytical, fair, and compassionate. He’s a strategic problem solver.
Jeff Darrey
Retired Founder of Marketing Associates USA, Founding Director Emeritus of Citrus Bank, and Co-Founder of Indigo Coffee
Having previously served with him as former members of the Children Board of Hillsborough County, I can personally attest to his professionalism, detailed analysis and upmost sincerity in protecting the taxpayers investment in a most efficient but effective manner.
Robert “Pete” Edwards
Community Volunteer
Kevin Beckner has been a superb representative of the citizens of Hilllsborough County. His thoughtful, deliberative, and ethical approach to decision making combined with his passion to succeed in his mission have provided the county the very best in political representation. His support for natural resource and ecosystem protection has helped move Hillsborough County in the important direction of implementing sustainable practices fort the foreseeable future.
Rick Garrity, PhD
Retired Executive Director, Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County
I have known Kevin as both a county commissioner and as an involved community citizen. His expertise, professionalism, and passion for excellence makes him an exceptional leader.
Robert Glaser
President/CEO, Smith & Associates Real Estate
As an attorney and long-time advocate for excellence in government, I know that the mark of an extraordinary leader is demonstrated not only by their vision for the future, but by the energy and commitment to see that vision realized. I have worked with Kevin Beckner, and have seen his demonstrated a tenacity and selfless willingness to serve. Kevin esta con nuestro pueblo!
Alma Gonzalez
Attorney
I have known Kevin for more than 10 years. As our County Commissioner, Kevin displayed his leadership by protecting our tax dollars and streamlining government. Kevin is fiscally responsible, honest, and trustworthy. He is smart, fair, inclusive, and open to new ideas. We need more champions for all of Hillsborough like Kevin.
Richard Gonzmart
4th generation Caretaker, Columbia Restaurant Group
I’ve known Kevin for many years and consider him to be a friend and mentor. As a County Commissioner, he collaborated with the business community, grassroots organizers, and government agencies to effect lasting change in Hillsborough County.
Ed Lally
Political & LGBTQ+ Activist
When Kevin Beckner first stepped into the public spotlight he promised to bring change and more inclusion to Hillsborough County – and time after time he delivered on those promises. Our county has made progress but still has a long way to go. Having strong leaders like Kevin out there fighting to level the playing field gives me hope.
Yvette Lewis
Civil Rights Activist
I have known Kevin Beckner since he was a County Commissioner and I noticed his attention on issues affecting our youth. His work to reform the juvenile justice system and to prevent violence in our community (following the Sandy Hook tragedy) continues to benefit our kids to this day.
Kevin’s strong work ethic and focus on process has served our community well. As a Mom and a Grandmother, I trust Kevin Beckner and you should too!
Candy Lowe
The Black Business Bus Tour
Since I first met Kevin during his successful campaign for County Commission, he has worked tirelessly to improve our community. Kevin’s work ranges from helping kids become productive citizens to using his knowledge of finance to watch over tax payers dollars on the commission. Our community needs leaders like Kevin who can bring innovative and new ideas.
Clinton Paris
Esquire, Past President George Edgecomb Bar Association, Tampa Organization of Black Affairs, Board of Directors
Kevin Beckner has a unique talent for looking for the best efficiencies possible in anything he is working on.
Eric Seidel, Esq.
Of Counsel, McIntyre Thanasides Bringgold Elliot Grimaldi Guito & Matthews, P.A.
Kevin has a knack for bringing diverse communities together to find solutions that are only possible because new perspectives and vantage points are allowed to emerge. We need smart, capable, inclusive and disciplined leadership. Kevin hits the mark.
Nadine Smith
LGBT Activist
I worked closely with Kevin as the Chair of the Hillsborough County Civil Service Board and throughout a difficult transition which he displayed extreme knowledge and leadership. Kevin consistently displayed the highest level of professionalism during every interaction, meeting and conversation.
Ernie E. Trichler, II
Attorney and Former Chair of Hillsborough County Civil Service Board
As a former local governmental agency attorney I worked closely with Kevin for over 10 years. I saw his dedication to making improvements in our community and I know he always does his homework. I know that Kevin’s service in elected office is for the right reason; to make government that is efficient and inclusive.
Rick Tschantz
Attorney, Carlton Fields
I followed Kevin’s service on the Board of County Commissioners and found him to be a servant of all the citizens. He consistently chose to champion human rights’ initiatives to strengthen our community at-large that include: Civil Citations for juvenile offenders, violence prevention in our neighborhoods (Safe & Sound), human rights protection of all citizens, career development training for non-violent ex-offenders and a county-wide Diversity Council, to name a few.
We need effective, compassionate leaders. Kevin Beckner has proven himself to be one of those leaders.
Dr. Samuel L. Wright
President/CEO, Dr. Samuel L. Wright Consulting, LLC
I knew of Kevin by reputation as a County Commissioner for many years, and worked with him directly during his tenure as Civil Service Board Executive Director from 2016-2019.
I watched Kevin embrace a number of rather daunting challenges with intelligence, creativity and leadership, all the while remaining positive and committed to the welfare and protection of the classified employees of Hillsborough County.
Peter Zinober
Global Co-Chair, Labor & Employment Law, Ogletree Deakins