The Diana Finegan Story
It has truly been an honor to serve Citrus County. Over the past few years, you have watched me focus on fiscal accountability, transparency in government, and preserving the natural beauty and resources that make Citrus County special. I am thankful to have been supported by this great community while putting taxpayers first.
I scrutinized the budget, brought forth new ordinances that strengthen government transparency, completely changed wastewater projects saving citizens millions of dollars, and worked on a program to clean up Citrus County. I am proud of what we have accomplished, and even more excited about the work ahead.
In this next term, I will continue my commitment of fiscal accountability and government transparency. I will also continue my work on our wastewater projects to protect both the environment and your wallet. I will work with the board to put a fiscally responsible plan in place for infrastructure and planning for the future. I will hold the line with developers who are not in the best interest of Citrus County. Finally, I want Citrus County to expand our playing fields for youth sports.
Let us continue this work together!
I appreciate your vote.
Diana
Background
My parents settled in Citrus County when I was just six-weeks old. I was raised in Floral City in a single-wide mobile home by parents who taught me to always be honest and work hard. I learned the value of a dollar at a very early age, and I have never forgotten how it feels to live paycheck to paycheck.
I attended Floral City Elementary, Inverness Middle, and New Testament Christian School. Being the first in my family to attend college, I worked and commuted to classes. After leaving Florida for a brief amount of time, I returned to Citrus County to raise my pride and joy, my son Tyler. Tyler grew up in Citrus County and graduated from Citrus High School. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Central Florida (UCF) and a Master’s Degree from the Florida Institute of Technology, both with honors.
In 1999, I began my work at CASA (Citrus County Abuse Shelter Association, Inc.) as a child advocate. Within a year, I was promoted to Assistant Executive Director, then about six months later, Executive Director (later changed to CEO). I was the youngest person in Florida to ever hold the title of Executive Director.
During my time at CASA, I worked with thousands of women and children. I trained our staff to treat our struggling population with dignity and respect and led by example. I instituted policies and procedures that led to a high standard of advocacy for our community. I also built curriculums for CASA empowerment groups, law enforcement, a Healthy Relationship program in our schools, “Communication for Leaders,” and basic training for our community. I have educated thousands of people including judges, law enforcement officers, social workers, and medical professionals.
Being a staunch conservative, I brought CASA into solvency and achieved perfect financial audits. In 2005, I was the driving force and Project Manager for a new shelter and outreach facility. By 2007, those buildings were built and fully paid for by grants totaling over $1.2 million that I wrote, applied, and was awarded.
I retired from CASA (giving a one-year’s notice) having accomplished my goals of the organization being financially solvent and secure, the shelter being safe and large enough to meet our county’s needs, and Citrus County having quality programs to help survivors of domestic violence.
In 2017, I focused on working with my husband and best friend, Stephen Finegan, Jr. We own Air FX, Inc and Electrix, Inc., both located in Inverness. I have helped him manage our assets, keep the finances and budget on track, and plan the company’s growth.
Citrus County has afforded me and my family to work and live the American dream. I started in very humble beginnings, worked hard, and found success all while being blessed to help others in our community.
Education and Experience
Bachelor of Science in Education, concentration in Psychology - University of North Dakota
Certificate in Leadership - Rollins College
Leadership Citrus - 2004
CEO - Citrus County Abuse Shelter Association (CASA) - 1999-2017
Air FX, Inc and Electrix, Inc - 2017- Present
Citrus County Commissioner- 2022-Present
Current Boards
Citrus County Veterans Foundation
Sanctuary Mission
Citrus County Veterans Advisory Board
Springs Steering Committee
Withlacoochee Water Supply Authority
Citrus/Hernando Metropolitan Planning Organization
Past Boards Service
Citrus County Anti-Drug Coalition
Mid-Florida Homeless Coalition
Citrus County Community Food Bank Advisory Board
CLM Workforce Development
Early Learning Coalition
Value Adjustment Board
Department of Juvenile Justice 5th Circuit Advisory Board
Gulf Coast Consortium