Commissioner Chad McLeod Will Not Seek Reelection

Commissioner Chad McLeod announced at the City Commission meeting on Monday, Aug. 3, that he will not seek reelection in November 2027. His current term will end in December 2027.

“My intention from the beginning when I first ran for the seat in 2019 was to serve two terms and then step aside so someone else could come in with a fresh perspective,” McLeod said. 

At the same meeting, McLeod announced that in August he began a new position as vice president of communications with the Lakeland Economic Development Council (LEDC). He previously worked in communications for Compassion International. 

“I’m excited with this opportunity for my work outside the Commission to focus on our Lakeland community,” McLeod said of his new position with the LEDC.

Before accepting the new role, he said that he confirmed with City Attorney Palmer Davis that he could work for the LEDC while also serving on the City Commission.

“Most of what LEDC does day to day as a private organization working with the private sector does not intersect with city government,” McLeod said. “If an issue comes up where there’s a potential conflict of interest, as any of us would, I will follow our normal process of consulting with the city attorney, and if there’s a particular issue or a vote and I need to recuse myself, I’ll certainly do that,” he said.

McLeod said the decision to end his time on the commission is not directly related to his new job.

“Serving in this seat is one of the greatest privileges that I’ve ever had. And when I say I’ve had moments where I’ve thought, ‘Maybe I want to serve longer,’ it’s because of the people I serve with. It’s because I love the work that we do.”

Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley commended McLeod for his commitment to the city, his career, and his family. “Your commitment to them and to the community at large is deeply appreciated,” she said.