Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse is pleased to announce the appointment of Larry Little as Director of Communications, effective February 9, 2026.
“Following a highly competitive recruitment process that attracted 87 applicants, 52 of whom met minimum qualifications, Mr. Little’s exceptional blend of education, experience, leadership, and strategic vision clearly distinguished him as the top candidate for this role. Throughout a rigorous, multi-phase interview process, Larry consistently demonstrated his expertise in developing and executing communication strategies for large and diverse audiences,” said City Manager Shawn Sherrouse. For more than eight years, he led crisis and strategic communications, media relations, branding, and stakeholder engagement efforts in support of nearly two million residents in Santa Clara County, California. His career progression from television reporter in Texas to executive-level communications leader in California, and now Director of Communications for the City of Lakeland, reflects both his dedication to public service and his proven ability to deliver results. I am extremely pleased to welcome Larry Little to our talented City of Lakeland team and look forward to the leadership and innovation he will add to our organization.”
Little joins the City of Lakeland with more than 20 years of communications experience spanning television journalism, local government, and public service. Most recently, he spent more than eight years with the County of Santa Clara, California, where he led communications, media relations, and community outreach for the Department of Environmental Health. Throughout his career, Little has been responsible for managing complex, high-profile, and crisis communications across both public and private sectors.
“I am honored to have been selected for this extraordinary opportunity to serve the people of the City of Lakeland,” said Little. “This is a historic, vibrant, and evolving world-class city, and the exceptional work and dedication from the community and city staff are evident. I’m looking forward to working alongside a talented team as we elevate city communications.”…