Sarasota County Welcomes Fresh Leadership with Two New Commissioners

Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) officially welcomed two new members, Teresa Mast (District 1) and Tom Knight (District 3), following their swearing-in ceremony.

Teresa Mast: A Legacy of Service and Business Acumen

Born in Hastings, Michigan, Teresa Mast has called Sarasota home since 1979. After graduating from Sarasota Christian School, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Eckerd College. Mast and her Sarasota-native husband, Jon, have been married for 40 years, raising two accomplished daughters and now enjoying life as proud grandparents to their grandsons.

Mast’s dedication to Sarasota County is evident in her years of community service and professional contributions. Her tenure includes seven years on the Sarasota County Planning Commission and active membership in the Citizen Tax Oversight Committee. Professionally, she served Sarasota County for over a decade in roles spanning Planning and Development Services, Neighborhood Services, Community Outreach, and Business Relations. Mast also leads a successful design company, where she has been at the helm for nearly 40 years.

Tom Knight: From Law Enforcement to County Leadership

Tom Knight has been a resident of Sarasota County since 1973, when his family relocated to Venice. A graduate of Venice High School, Manatee Junior College (now SCF), and Florida State University, Knight also earned a graduate certificate in public administration from the University of South Florida. He and his wife, Tracy, live in Venice and have two grown daughters.

Knight brings a distinguished background in law enforcement to his new role. With 34 years of service, including two with the City of Sarasota and 20 with the Florida Highway Patrol (where he rose to the rank of Major), he capped his career as Sarasota County Sheriff. Elected in 2008, he served as Sheriff for 12 years, overseeing an organization of 1,000 employees and managing a $121 million budget.

Knight’s civic engagement extends to numerous organizations, including a decade on the YMCA of Southwest Florida board and a lifetime membership with Leadership Florida. He is a passionate advocate for children and working families, reflecting his commitment to the well-being of Sarasota County’s residents.

A Promising Future for Sarasota County

The addition of Mast and Knight to the BCC brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the community. Both commissioners share a deep-rooted commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Sarasota County residents.

For photos of the ceremony or more information, call 311, 941-861-5000, or visit scgov.net.

Photo from SCGov