Episode S2:21: Sondra Guffey
Sondra Guffey, Economic Development Director, DeSoto County
“There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.”
Sondra joined DeSoto County staff in July 2021 as Economic Development Director. Here, she oversees activity that will attract and retain businesses in our County. She is also responsible for the Tourism marketing for the county. Previously Sondra was with the he City of North Port in economic development and marketing. Prior to that, she served as marketing manager for the developer of West Villages (Now Wellen Park) Florida. Her career has led her from disc jockey to stock broker and included radio, television and magazine journalism, mostly focused on business and finance. She’s worked in public relations and marketing for land developers as well as a mental health and addictions hospital. As a community enthusiast, she’s involved in many non-profits and has served on a variety of boards and committees throughout the area, including Visit Sarasota, the Salvation Army, North Port Area Chamber of Commerce and North Port Art Center. She is an elder in her church and loves serving there. Raised in Colorado, Sondra graduated from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. She is excited to be in DeSoto, which is in the “Middle of Everything.” Her son lives in Brooklyn, New York and her dog lives in the lap of luxury.