Polk County confirms Ryan Neil Duncan as tourism, sports marketing director

Polk County commissioners voted to confirm County Manager Bill Beasley's appointment of Ryan Neil Duncan as director of the county's Tourism and Sports Marketing Division, effective Aug. 17, 2026. The appointment was presented as item G‑1 during the board's regular meeting; the board moved and approved the confirmation by voice vote.

Beasley told the commission that Duncan brings more than 26 years of experience in tourism and sports marketing and said the role is authorized in the current budget. The manager said the negotiated annual salary is $146,000 with approximately $40,645 in benefits. "I have appointed Mister Ryan Neil Duncan as the next director of the Polk County Tourism And Sports Marketing Division effective Monday, 08/17/2026," Beasley said when introducing the item. Duncan, who was introduced from the podium, said: "I'm truly honored, humbled, and excited for this opportunity." (SEG 088–099; SEG 157–163)

Commissioners offered congratulations during a brief comment period and there was no debate recorded before the confirmation vote. The motion to confirm was made, seconded, and carried by voice vote. The county said existing appropriations in the Tourism and Sports Marketing Division are sufficient to cover the salary and benefits described in the manager's presentation. (SEG 150–155)