Village Connection – Meet the Village of Estero Staff
The Village of Estero keeps taxes low with“government lite” operations. Many functions, such as waste removal and road and landscaping maintenance, are achieved through partnerships with other municipalities and private companies. Led by Village Manager Steve Sarkozy, the lean Village of Estero staff handles all aspects of community development and many other governmental functions. Discover the functions of each department and find contact information below.
Steve Sarkozy
Village Manager
Steve Sarkozy came to the Village in November 2015 with 35 years of local government experience, the latest as City Manager for the City of Carlsbad, California. He also served as City Manager to City of Bellevue, Washington; City of Roseville, Minnesota; and City of Geneva, New York. As Village Manager, Sarkozy serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Village, responsible to the Village Council. He will appoint and remove all Village employees, direct and supervise the administration of all departments of the Village, attend all meetings of the Village Council, ensure that all laws, Charter provisions, ordinances, resolutions and other acts of the Council are faithfully executed, prepare the annual operating and capital budget, and keep the Council fully advised as to the financial condition and future needs of the Village.
Finance Department
Chris Phillips
Finance Director
Chris Phillips joined the Village staff in August 2021 after having served in local government finance for 22 years. Phillips is a Certified Government Financial Manager through the Association of Government Accountants. He brings a vast background in local government finance including experience in budgeting, debt and treasury management, TRIM (Truth in Millage), financial reporting, human resources and employee health insurance administration.
Bob Franceschini, Procurement
Carla Faxel, Finance Clerk
Karen Gudella, Finance Clerk
Public Works Department
David Willems
Public Works Director
David Willems has served as the Public Works Director for the Village of Estero since January 2018. He came to Estero with over 21 years of local engineering experience and is a recognized expert in stormwater management. As Public Works Director, Willems is in charge of the Village’s construction and maintenance programs, including roadway, stormwater, landscaping, sidewalks and bike paths. Willems is a longtime resident of Lee County, graduating from Estero High School and currently living with his family in Estero.
Frank Cannella, Public Works Technician
Community Development
Mary Gibbs, FAICP
Community Development Director
Mary Gibbs has been the Community Development Director for the Village since June 8, 2015, and previously was Director of Lee County Community Development for 23 years. She is a nationally certified planner and has worked in local governments in Florida since 1977. As Community Development Director, Gibbs manages the Planning, Zoning, Building Permitting, Site Plan review, Code Enforcement, and Inspections functions for the Village. This includes development of the Village’s first Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to help guide the future growth and vision of Estero.
Matt Noble, Principal Planner
Jim Hart, Development Review Manager
Sandy Larsen, Development Review Engineer
Steve Fontz, Building Official
Kathy Eastley, Senior Planner
Jim Scialabba, Plan Reviewer
Stanley Knight, Code Compliance Officer
Sheryl Hopping, Permit Supervisor
James Gardner, Permit Tech
Cecilia Ramirez, Permit Tech
Maryann Devanas, Zoning Technician
Planning & Zoning
Lisa Reitbauer, Administrative Assistant
Marybeth DeGarmo, Building Administrative Assistant
Eliot Rodriguez, GIS Specialist
Don Gaunt, Building Inspector
John Serenko, Building Inspector
Matt Ingersoll, Building Inspector
Village Clerk Office
Carol Sacco, Village Clerk/Executive Assistant
Tammy Duran, Deputy Village Clerk
To receive the latest information about Village projects and community activities, go to the Village website and subscribe at estero-fl.gov.