First elected in a special election in 2006, Al Higginbotham represents District 4 of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. He has served as the Chaplain and Chairman of the County Commission and Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Environmental Protection Commission.
A native Floridian from Plant City, Commissioner Higginbotham received a degree in political science with an emphasis on South American Government from the University of Florida. His political interests led him to serve as a Congressional aide in Washington, and later as an executive assistant to the Florida State Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner. From 2003-2006, he served as Chairman of the Hillsborough County Republican Party.
His time in office is highlighted by efforts to drive economic development, increase public involvement and transparency in budgeting, foster a collaborative working relationship with the City of Tampa, and enhance the image of the Commission. Commissioner Higginbotham is proud to serve on the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee and works tirelessly to recruit new businesses, help existing businesses expand and improve the overall business climate.
Commissioner Higginbotham has been a strong advocate for streamlining government and creating efficiencies, consolidation of County departments, and other efforts without compromising programs or services. His 2009 initiative to increase public input in the budget process, Our Budget Matters, was recognized by the National Association of Counties with the Achievement Award for Civic Education and Public Information in 2010. Commissioner Higginbotham initiated the “Kids in the County” program to introduce students to County government.
He currently serves on more than 10 boards and councils, including the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee, Florida Aquarium, Hillsborough River Interlocal Planning Board, and the Agency on Bay Management.
He lives in Plant City with his wife, Devon, and has two grown children, Allen and Kaylon.
Commissioner's Aide
Deanna Hurley
Eli Rodriguez |
County Commissioners' Home Page |
