By Roxanne Brown
Person of Interest: Brian Bulthuis
Clermont’s new city manager breaks from retirement to live, work, play, and make a difference in Lake’s largest town.
Vital Stats
- Born in Michigan
- Family includes dad Ronald Bulthuis, brothers Scott and Doug Bulthuis, and son Brandon Bulthuis
- Holds bachelor’s in business administration and master’s degree in public administration from Western Michigan University
Career highlights:
I worked for 25 years as the city manager of Acworth, Georgia, before retiring in July 2021. Before that, I was city manager of Mount Morris, Michigan for six years, and assistant city manager of Whitehall, Michigan for three years.
I applied for the city manager position in Clermont because:
After retiring from Acworth, I was looking for a new challenge in a growing, dynamic community.
My favorite spots in Clermont include:
Waterfront Park and the South Lake Trail.
As city manager, I enjoy:
Being able to see projects develop from an idea to completion.
My vision/goal for Clermont:
I want to help with smart growth and provide the best possible services for our residents.
I am a member of:
The International City Management Association (ICMA), and the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA).
Favorite sports team:
The Atlanta Braves.
Four words that best describe me:
Open-minded. Purposeful. Pragmatic. Adventurous.
Best advice I’ve ever been given:
It’s OK to trust people.
Favorite destination I’ve traveled to:
The Grand Canyon, because of its vastness and sheer beauty.
Favorite food:
Chicken Parmesan.
On my bucket list:
A trip to Hawaii.
Words to live by:
Always do the right thing – no matter what.
Originally from Nogales, Arizona, Roxanne worked in the customer service industry while practicing freelance writing for years. She came on board with Akers Media in July 2020 as a full-time staff writer for Lake & Sumter Style Magazine and was promoted to Managing Editor in October 2023—her dream job come true. Prior to that and after just having moved to Florida in 1999, Roxanne had re-directed her prior career path to focus more on journalism and went on to become a reporter for The Daily Commercial/South Lake Press newspapers for 16 years. Additionally, Roxanne—now an award-winning journalist recognized by the Florida Press Club and the Florida chapter of The Society of Professional Journalism—continues working toward her secondary goal of becoming a published author of children’s books.
