SeaPort Manatee Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer

Sheila Ballesteros McLean brings 27 years of public-sector finance experience to the port.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Sheila Ballesteros McLean has joined SeaPort Manatee as the new chief financial officer, bringing with her 27 years of public-sector finance experience with Manatee County. McLean previously served as the chief financial officer and director of financial management for the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners since 2022.

Why it matters

SeaPort Manatee is a major economic driver for the region, generating $7.3 billion in annual economic impacts and providing over 42,000 direct and indirect jobs. McLean's extensive experience in local government finance will be valuable as the port continues to grow and expand its role as a key gateway for global commerce.

The details

In her new role, McLean will serve on the port's executive leadership team, bringing her expertise in areas like budgeting, capital planning, debt management, and statutory compliance. She began her career with Manatee County government in 1999 as an accountant in the finance department of the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court.

  • Sheila Ballesteros McLean joined SeaPort Manatee as chief financial officer in February 2026.
  • McLean previously served as chief financial officer and director of financial management for the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners since 2022.

The players

Sheila Ballesteros McLean

The new chief financial officer of SeaPort Manatee, bringing 27 years of public-sector finance experience with Manatee County.

Mike Rahn

The chairman of the Manatee County Port Authority.

Carlos Buqueras

The executive director of SeaPort Manatee.

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What they’re saying

“A strategic, results-driven CFO, Sheila brings deep expertise in local government finance, budgeting, capital planning, debt management and statutory compliance to her new role on the port's executive leadership team.”

— Mike Rahn, Chairman, Manatee County Port Authority

“Sheila's familiarity with Manatee County combines with her vast financial know-how to make her a highly valuable asset to our fast-growing gateway for global commerce.”

— Carlos Buqueras, Executive Director, SeaPort Manatee

The takeaway

The addition of Sheila Ballesteros McLean as SeaPort Manatee's new chief financial officer highlights the port's commitment to strengthening its financial management and positioning itself for continued growth as a key economic engine for the region.