Okeechobee County Commissioner Frank DeCarlo was presented with the Certified County Commissioner (CCC) designation from the Institute for County Government (ICG) at an award ceremony held at the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Annual Conference and Educational Exhibition in Orange County, Florida.  

The CCC designation is a voluntary program of study designed for county commissioners to learn information and enhance skills relevant to their duties and responsibilities as an elected official. 

"I am honored to receive the Certified County Commissioner designation, which will significantly enhance my ability to serve Okeechobee County. This certification equips me with the latest knowledge and skills needed to address the unique challenges our community faces. By embracing continuous learning, I am better prepared to respond effectively to the needs of our constituents and to implement solutions that promote sustainable growth and resilience in our county." — Commissioner Frank DeCarlo

The CCC educational program is an initiative comprising of 45 hours of coursework. This program's curriculum encompasses a diverse range of courses, such as growth management, financial management, and ethics, as well as elective courses such as affordable housing, emergency management, and resiliency.

“One of the key challenges county commissioners face is adapting to the evolving needs of their constituents and the rapid growth of their communities,” says Eric Poole, Executive Director of ICG. “The CCC program offers commissioners an opportunity to become a lifelong learner, giving them the tools and knowledge they need to effectively navigate these changes.”

Alongside Commissioner DeCarlo, 17 commissioners earned the CCC designation at the FAC award ceremony.

The CCC program is made possible through a continuing partnership with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension.

To learn more about ICG and the CCC designation, please visit flicg.org.

Founded in 1929, the Florida Association of Counties has represented the diverse interests of Florida’s counties, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that communities and their local leaders should make the decisions that impact their community. The Florida Association of Counties helps Florida’s counties effectively serve and represent their communities through Advocacy, Collaboration, and Education.