City News Blog: Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse Announces Leadership Transition at Lakeland Electric
Lakeland, FL (July 15, 2026) - Today Lakeland City Manager Sherrouse announced that Michael Beckham, General Manager of Lakeland Electric, has submitted his retirement notice to be effective July 31, 2026, after serving nearly 11 years.
“It has been a privilege to serve as General Manager at Lakeland Electric for the City of Lakeland. As I retire, I do so with gratitude for the opportunity to have been part of an organization dedicated to making a difference,” said Michael Beckham.
City Manager Shawn Sherrouse expressed gratitude for Beckham’s leadership and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to a coordinated transition.
“The City of Lakeland congratulates Mike Beckham on his retirement, we fully support his decision and are grateful for his decade of service and leadership,” said City Manager Shawn Sherrouse. “His contributions over the past decade have helped position Lakeland Electric for continued success, and we wish Mike and his family the very best in his retirement.”
Florida's third-largest municipal electric utility will continue operating without interruption while the City makes decisions regarding the next General Manager.
“We are very fortunate to have a strong leadership team of Assistant General Managers who will ensure continuity of services and operations,” Sherrouse said.
“The City of Lakeland congratulates Mike Beckham on his retirement, we fully support his decision and are grateful for his decade of service and leadership,” said City Manager Shawn Sherrouse. “His contributions over the past decade have helped position Lakeland Electric for continued success, and we wish Mike and his family the very best in his retirement.”
Florida's third-largest municipal electric utility will continue operating without interruption while the City makes decisions regarding the next General Manager.
“We are very fortunate to have a strong leadership team of Assistant General Managers who will ensure continuity of services and operations,” Sherrouse said.
About Lakeland Electric: Lakeland Electric is the third-largest public power utility in the State of Florida, serving 144,000 customers. It is one of the first utilities established in Florida, having begun operations in 1889 before being purchased by the City of Lakeland in 1904. Today, Lakeland Electric's 246 square mile territory serves the City of Lakeland, Polk City and its environs with affordable, dependable, and sustainable electric power. Lakeland Electric is designated as a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) by the American Public Power Association, a rigorous, third-party recognition of operational excellence in reliability, workforce, and sustainability. Learn more at www.LakelandElectric.com
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net. Community members are also invited to follow the City @LakelandGov on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, and Nextdoor.