Administration
County Manager Ed Smith
The county manager is responsible for managing county operations and for carrying out all decisions, policies, ordinances and resolutions of the commission. The county manager's duties include the preparation of the recommended annual budget and long-range Capital Improvement Program.
Ed Smith became the Bay County manager in September of 2005. In accepting the position he brought almost two decades of experience in local government. He served two years as the city manager of Chiefland, FL, as well as 15 years in Marion County, including two years as the senior administrative assistant and seven years as the assistant county administrator.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Mr. Smith began his career as a middle school teacher. After moving to Florida he worked as a news and program director for two Ocala radio stations.
Although Mr. Smith graduated from the University of Wisconsin, he is an avid Florida Gators fan. He also enjoys a good round of golf in his free-time.
E-mail: esmith@baycountyfl.gov
Senior Staff
Assistant County Manager Bob Majka
Bob Majka began working in local government as a firefighter in 1988. In 1993 he joined the Bay County team as the Hazardous Materials Program manager. In 1996 his position was reclassified as the Emergency Management Division manager and he was promoted to chief of Emergency Services in 1998. In 2006 Mr. Majka was promoted to assistant county manager.
While working his way up the ranks in Bay County, Mr. Majka has completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration, a degree in fire science technology and a certification from the United States Fire Administration's Executive Fire Officer Program. He is currently working on a master’s in business administration.
Mr. Majka's duties include overseeing Bay County's Emergency Services, Cooperative Extension, Public Works, Engineering, Mosquito Control, Information Technology & Geographic Information Systems, Veterans' Services, Roads & Bridges, Code Enforcement, Maintenance Support and Traffic Engineering departments and the Bay County Library.
During his free time, he enjoys spending time with his children, golfing, traveling and competing in skeet shooting.
Assistant County Manager Dan Shaw
Dan Shaw joined Bay County in 2003 as the director of Development Services. In 2005 he was promoted to assistant county manager.
During his first 18 years in local government, Mr. Shaw worked throughout the United States. He spent six years in Lee County, FL as the director of community development, eight years in Santa Cruz County, CA as the planning director and three years in Richmond, CA as the director of the Community and Economic Development Agency. He also spent a year in Michigan helping local governments develop hazard mitigation plans.
Mr. Shaw completed a bachelor’s at Indiana University in 1976 and a master of public administration there.
His current duties include overseeing departments including Utility Services, Solid Waste, Water Division, Wastewater System, Development Services, Builders' Services, Planning & Zoning and Parks & Recreation.
In his free time, Shaw enjoys keeping up with Indiana University sports.
Organizational Structure
Bay County is a Commission-Manager form of government. The Commissioners select a county manager who oversees the daily operations of Bay County.
Contact Information
Bay County Board of County Commissioners
P.O. Box 1818
Panama City, FL 32401
OR
840 W. 11th St.
Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: (850)248-8140