HERBERT W.A. THIELE has served as County Attorney for Leon County, Florida, since 1990.  Previously, Mr. Thiele was the City Attorney for the City of Delray Beach, Florida, for over eight years, and an Assistant City Attorney in Delray Beach, as well as in private practice, for the three years preceding.  Mr. Thiele graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in government and international studies, and he received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida.  He is admitted to practice before numerous state and federal courts, and actively participates in several Florida Bar sections and other professional organizations in leadership roles, such as serving as the Chairman of the City, County & Local Government Law Section of The Bar.  In addition, he will be the President of the Florida Association of County Attorneys in 2007-08, a position that he also held in 1995-96, and is currently serving his second consecutive term as Chairman of the Counties and Special Districts Department of the International Municipal Lawyers Association.  Mr. Thiele was chosen to be the Florida Municipal Attorney of the Year for 1987- 88, and in 1991, was awarded the Ralph A. Marsicano Award by The Florida Bar's Local Government Law Section for significant contributions to the development of local government law in Florida.  In addition, Mr. Thiele was honored to receive the Ethics in Government Award in 1998 and in 2001 from the Florida Association of County Attorneys. In 2000, Mr. Thiele received the prestigious Paul S. Buchman Award for outstanding contributions in the area of legal public service from the City, County and Local Government Law Section of The Bar.  He is a frequently requested speaker and has both lectured and written numerous articles on Florida and national local government matters, including public records and sunshine laws, personnel matters, public finance, and zoning, land use, and comprehensive planning matters.