Benjamin H. Pingree, currently serving as Assistant County Administrator, is a public management professional whose career spans three decades. Pingree began his journey in local government in the year 2000 with the Leon County Office of Management and Budget. From there, he was promoted to Assistant to the County Administrator, a position he held for six years. He then served as Wakulla County Administrator during the Great Recession, honing his leadership skills during this challenging period.
In his role, Pingree addresses the pressing issues and opportunities spanning infrastructure, planning, permitting, and economic development.
During his career, Pingree has contributed significantly to the successful passage of two county Charters and the creation of numerous programs, divisions, and departments. His efforts have garnered multiple awards, both individually and as part of numerous teams. Following a stint as the Chief Executive of a nonprofit organization in South Florida, Pingree returned to Leon County as Executive Vice President of the Economic Development Council. This experience, combined with his work fostering economic opportunities alongside County and City governments, was instrumental in his selection as the inaugural Director of Planning, Land Management and Community Enhancement (PLACE).
In his 7.5-year tenure as Director of the Joint County/City Department of PLACE, Pingree led the creation of the Joint County/City Office of Economic Vitality (OEV). He oversaw the implementation of the Blueprint 2020 projects, which have a combined value of over $1.3 billion across the next two decades. Under Pingree's guidance, the Department of PLACE made significant strides in infrastructure development, transportation system enhancement, environmental improvements, business expansion, and parks and community gathering spaces expansion.
Pingree's leadership was key in the transition to a Joint City/County OEV, which the State now recognizes as the official economic development organization for the community. Under his stewardship, OEV programs stimulated the creation of nearly 3,200 permanent jobs and spurred $465 million in private sector capital investment, amounting to an economic impact of $1.1 billion in Leon County. He also oversaw the development of the Consolidated Minority, Women and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) policy to support the community’s minority- and women-owned businesses.
Pingree earned his undergraduate degree from Boston University and a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from the Askew School of Public Administration at Florida State University. He has completed coursework to become a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council and is a graduate of Leadership Florida.