Former Hilsborough County Administrator Dan Cleman died at 79 – TAMPA Bay Times

Dan Cleman, who has served as an administrator of Hilsborough County for nine years, died on Wednesday. He was 79.

Cleman’s wife, Jan, confirmed his death at Tampa Bay Times and said he had died of blood cancer.

Cleman’s career in public service lasted for more than 50 years. He was the Deputy City Manager of Dayton, Ohio, for a year before becoming a Talahassi city manager in 1974.

He has taken this position for 20 years, during which he managed the construction of a new town hall, financed parking garages and developed parks, according to a statement from the city of Talahasi.

As part of the efforts to revive the center of Talahassi, the city began the process of acquisition and development of land behind its mayoralty in 1980. This approximate plot of 5 acres will become Cleman Plaza when it was completed in 1996, according to The City statement.

“It was really a privilege to know and learn from Dan I kept in touch with over the years,” says city manager Reese Goad in the statement. “He was a fundamental professional and tireless champion for local government managers. It was dedicated to the implementation of the best practices and this spirit is something that continues in our organization to this day. “

After spending two decades governing the Talahassi city government, Clement came to Hilsborough County. He has been a district administrator for nearly a decade, making him one of the longest.

Ed Huzeker, who has been working for several years in the Financial Department of Hilsborough County, said that Clement was respected among the staff, the Council of Commands and the Community.

“He was quite a leader,” Huzker said, adding that Clement knew how to navigate difficult situations. “He was a great person to work with.”

Cleman’s mandate in Hilsborough ended in 2003 when he resigned so as not to be fired by the allegations that he had taken care of the majority of the board and failed to solve a problem. He had also resigned in Talahassi.

In both cases, his colleagues praised his decision to withdraw.

“I think this is a true act of grace on the part of Mr. Cleman to fall on his sword on this issue and appreciate it,” said former Hillsborough Commissioner Ronda Storms at the time. “I want you to know that despite our differences, I appreciate this greater gesture you are demonstrating.”

Those who have worked with him have credited his management for taking advantage of their government’s finances. As he holds the helm in Hilsborough, the county’s tax rate was lowered every year and his bond rating has been improving many times over.

After leaving Hilsborough, Clement headed to Jacksonville, where he held leadership positions at the mayor’s office and from the fire and rescue department.

Cleman and his wife, Jan, married for 56 years. In calling Tampa Bay Times, she described it as “warm, loving, deliberate – pragmatist” on Thursday.

He was recognized as an exclusive public administrator of the year by two heads of Florida of the US Company of the Public Administration. He has also been the president of the City and District Management Association and the International Association for the Governance of the City and the County, according to his obituary.

A native of Ottawa, Ohio, Cleman won a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He survived his wife, four children, 11 grandchildren and one great -grandson.