Our ombudsman will respond to inquiries, complaints or comments from permit applicants, permit holders, interested parties and citizens about District matters.
The general public has a point of contact at the District. Richard “Rick” B. McCleery is the District’s Ombudsman, a position that provides a liaison between the District and the public.
As ombudsman, McCleery will respond to inquiries, complaints or comments from permit applicants, permit holders, interested parties and citizens about District matters. Those matters may include regulatory policies, budgeting and general operational programs. In addition, he will encourage interaction between District staff and citizens to promote amicable resolution of disputes.
“The ombudsman fosters communication and contact between the District and the public so they can be as well served by the District as possible,” said McCleery, a 25-year veteran of water management issues.
The ombudsman position was authorized by statute for Florida’s five water management districts.
McCleery is the first person to fill the District’s ombudsman position, which requires extensive knowledge of the water resource and natural systems; state and federal rules, regulations and laws pertaining to water management; and the responsibilities of the water management districts and other local, state and federal agencies involved in water resource management activities.
Having worked for the District for more than 25 years, McCleery is readily familiar with the District’s programs, policies, and regulations.
Before being selected ombudsman, McCleery was the Governmental Affairs Coordinator at the District’s Bartow office. As such, he worked with elected officials, local governments, citizen groups and the general public to foster a better understanding of District policies and programs.
McCleery was a Governmental Affairs Coordinator for eight years.
He also worked in the District’s Human Resources Department for more than 11 years. McCleery began his career at the District in 1979 in the Operations Department.
McCleery can be reached at the District’s Brooksville headquarters at 1-800-423-1476 or you may send him e-mail at: rick.mccleery@swfwmd.state.fl.us
