Deena Drumgo, Lake Wales, Uses Municipal Experience to Lead CFDC Committee

Deena Drumgo, Assistant City Manager for the City of Lake Wales, has served on the CFDC Board of Directors for six years. She’s served as both a board member and Chair of the Community Stakeholders Committee in more recent years. As Drumgo’s time on the board comes to an end, the CFDC will forever be impacted by her steady leadership.

“When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen” is a slogan that comes to mind when in the presence of Deena Drumgo, Assistant City Manager at Lake Wales. 

The former is a famous 1970s’ advertising slogan for the brokerage firm E.F. Hutton. It’s one that implies that the financial information Hutton was dispensing was valuable and worth paying attention to. 

“When I see her out in the community, I enjoy talking to her. I know she’s going to bring a sense of calmness,” Central Florida Development Council President & CEO Sean Malott said of the council’s Community Stakeholders Committee chair, who is leaving the board after six years.  

“What I appreciate about Deena is she listens more than she speaks, but when she speaks, people pay attention to what she has to say because what she says is extremely valuable,” he said. “Our organization has benefitted from her knowledge and leadership.” 

Drumgo said the “CFDC provides valuable resources to support economic growth and community development for Polk County and beyond.”  

But it goes beyond that. 

“The most valuable part of my time on the board was being involved during COVID and how we had to pivot to be an additional resource to the entire community,” she said. “I believe it helped to foster collaboration across sectors, which strengthened the community and built trust.” 

Municipal Experience

Polk County Manager Bill Beasley said it’s the municipal connection that makes Drumgo so valuable. “She lives in that municipal environment. She’s brought that to the CFDC and that’s been valuable for the CFDC to understand a little how the municipalities think. Deena has made us connect to the municipalities like nobody else on our board.” 

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Drumgo has a bachelor’s degree in Urban Affairs and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. In 2013, she participated in a month-long Group Study Exchange Program with Rotary International in Taipei, Taiwan.

Drumgo worked in Polk City and Fort Meade before beginning work in Dundee, where she held several positions before becoming town manager in 2017. After leaving Dundee, she worked for the city of Winter Haven before moving to the Lake Wales’ role. 

Her Time On the Board

While in her role as Community Stakeholders Committee chair, Drumgo said the most rewarding part was “building bridges between community voices and the economic development strategy of Polk County. I saw firsthand how meaningful dialogue can shape more resilient, equitable outcomes.” 

She named three pressing issues the CFDC faces in the next year:  

• Infrastructure Expansion. “Rapid population growth is straining existing infrastructure, so the board can continue to help coordinate improvements to roads, water systems and transportation networks to support incoming businesses.”  
• Talent Pipeline Development. “Ensuring a skilled workforce remains a top concern, so it must continue to partner with local educational institutions.” 
• Business Attraction & Retention. “Focusing on a proactive outreach to attract high-wage, high-skill businesses.” 

She said she learned from everyone on the CFDC staff while serving on the board. “They are a small team, but they are mighty. They are experts in the field, and they approach any challenge with clarity, humility and a deep commitment to Polk County’s future.”

Serving “has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional journey,” Drumgo said. “I leave this role with deep gratitude for the relationships formed, the lessons learned and the impact we made. I’m confident that the board will continue to lead with purpose, and I look forward to supporting its mission in new ways.”

Her advice to those joining the board now? “Use your networks to bring together stakeholders who might not otherwise collaborate. Those connections can spark real change.”

CFDC board Chair David Shepp said he enjoyed his time working with Drumgo. “She showed us that commitment to public services is not just a job; it’s who she is. She shows up for the people she serves each and every day.

As Deena Drumgo concludes her service on the CFDC Board, her legacy of thoughtful leadership, quiet strength, and deep community insight leaves an enduring imprint. Her contributions—especially during pivotal moments like the COVID-19 response—helped shape a stronger, more collaborative Polk County. Though her chapter on the board is closing, her influence will continue to resonate in the partnerships she fostered and the progress she championed. The CFDC extends its sincere gratitude for her six years of dedicated service and looks forward to seeing the continued impact of her leadership across the region.