Commissioner Ray Sandelli was originally appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis following the passing of his predecessor in 2019 and was then elected in the 2020 campaign.

Ray is a proud veteran whose service to our country began as a naval officer and aviator. He deployed aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Independence, served as training command instructor and a final tour as a member of the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.

Following his military service, Ray began a forty-year career in the private sector with the world’s largest commercial real estate firm, CBRE. He held sales and senior management assignments in major markets from coast to coast including responsibility for all Florida operations and locally based CRE Consultants. He has been involved in a number of educational, charitable and civic organizations including Chairman of real estate graduate studies at the University of Florida, Habitat for Humanity, and Past President of Rotary.

In his initial year as a County Commissioner, Ray additionally serves as the liaison to the Horizon Council, Lee County Human Services Veteran Services, Juvenile Justice Circuit Advisory Board and CREW. He is active and remains engaged with the Lee CARES team and programs to help stabilize the needs of our neighbors and restore our business community.

Commissioner Sandelli was born and raised in New Jersey and graduated from Monmouth University. He and his wife Jan have been married for 38 years and are the proud parents of three grown children, Rachael, Christopher, and Jessica.