Friendly faces

Developers and builders may remember Collier County was once a difficult place to do business.

But that perception has been fading as private-sector executives such as David Wilkison moved into key roles in Collier County government. Wilkison is part of a new wave of top-level county employees who understand the value of time and predictability for developers and builders.

One year ago, Collier County Manager Leo Ochs tapped Wilkison to head the county's growth management department. It's a critical position because any development or construction request passes through its doors. “We do everything from A to Z, airports to zoning,” Wilkison says.