City leaders to help shape statewide policies for local governments

Published on September 22, 2026

Group photo shows eight city of PSL leaders who will be participating in Florida League of Cities Legislative Committees.

Nine City of Port St. Lucie leaders will bring their local government expertise to the statewide stage this year, helping shape legislative priorities and advocate for local decision-making as members of the Florida League of Cities’ five 2026-27 Legislative Policy Committees.

Representatives from Port St. Lucie, each of whom holds key leadership roles within the City, will sit on each of the League’s five committees. That includes:

Development, Code Compliance and Redevelopment

Mary Savage-Dunham, Director of Planning and Zoning

Finance and Taxation

Stephen Okiye, Director of Finance and City Treasurer
Caroline Sturgis, Director of Office of Management and Budget

Intergovernmental Relations, Mobility and Emergency Management

Billy Weinshank, Emergency Operations Division Director

Municipal Operations

Kristina Ciuperger, Assistant City Manager
Carmen Capezzuto, Director of Neighborhood Services

Utilities, Natural Resources and Public Works

Colt Schwerdt, Director of Public Works and City Engineer
Diana Spriggs, Assistant Director of Public Works
Donna Rhoden, Part-Time Special Assistant to the City Manager

Legislative Policy Committee chairs, vice chairs and members were appointed by Florida League of Cities President Mark Franks, Mayor of Shalimar.

As Legislative Policy Committee members, the representatives from Port St. Lucie will help develop the League’s legislative platform, which details priority issues that are most likely to affect daily municipal governance and local decision-making during the upcoming legislative session, as well as help League staff understand the real-world implications of proposed legislation. Committee members also are asked to serve as advocates for local decision-making throughout the legislative process.

Caption information (from left to right): Billy Weinshank, Caroline Sturgis, Diana Spriggs, Mary Savage-Dunham, Kristina Ciuperger, Donna Rhoden, Carmen Capezzuto and Colt Schwerdt. Not pictured: Stephen Okiye.