In August 2009, Jennifer Bencie became the County Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County. She oversees a staff of 125, and a $10 million budget. The agency is involved in many population health initiatives including worksite-wellness, school health, and environmental monitoring. Dr. Bencie is also the  Health/Medical Co-chair for the southwest Region 6 Domestic Security Task Force. In  her over 22 years with the Department of Health, Dr. Bencie has also served in leadership roles in the health departments in Orange, Seminole, Miami-Dade, and Bay counties. 

Dr. Bencie is a current Adjunct Professor at Everglades University and LECOM (Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine), and a former professor at Florida State University’s College of Medicine and the University of Central Florida. 

Dr. Bencie is a board member of Manatee Memorial Hospital, Centerstone of Florida, the Manatee Healthcare Alliance, the Bishop Museum, the local Ivy League Club,  International Women’s Forum Florida Suncoast Chapter, and the Arts and Health Coalition of Sarasota/Manatee. 

Jennifer received her undergraduate degree from Brown University, her medical degree from UAG Mexico, and her master's degree in health administration from Central Michigan University at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Her interests include rowing, beagle rescue, and travel.

Geoff Cordes currently leads planning efforts for COVID-19 vaccine distribution at the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County.  

Before joining DOH Manatee, he previously served as Corporate Compliance Officer, Risk Manager & Safety Officer at MCR Health for over four and a half years. There, Geoff was instrumental in creating processes that streamlined healthcare delivery for the underserved and uninsured across Southwest Florida. Concurrently, he also served as Chief Compliance Officer for AllCare Options, an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) that coordinated the delivery of seamless, high-quality care. 

Prior to working at MCR Health, Geoff was the Director of Health, Safety & Procurement at the  LECOM School of Dental Medicine. In that role, he designed the School’s health and safety  programs while integrating infection control and procurement best practices. 

For over 19 years, Geoff has also served as a member of the Florida Army National Guard. As a  commissioned officer, he has been highly decorated for his service and has deployed 10 times in  support of Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and in response to statewide  emergency response efforts.  

Geoffery B. Cordes holds a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from the LECOM  School of Graduate Studies as well as a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from American  Military University. Geoff is Board Certified in Patient Safety as well as Healthcare Compliance.