Commissioner Mason first became interested in the workings of local government in 1983 when she was hired by the City of Sarasota.  She worked for the City for ten years and then on to work with community agencies like Girls, Inc., Good Will Industries, and Salvation Army.  With the support of friends and relatives, she ran for City Commissioner in March 1999 and won.  During her tenure with the City she was elected twice by the City Commission to serve as its Mayor.

In 2008, she ran and won the seat for County Commissioner in District 1 and was re-elected in 2012.  She served as Chair of the Sarasota County Commission in 2013 and 2015.

Carolyn is a native Sarasotan, a well-respected member of her community, an active member of her church, and a devoted mother and grandmother.  She loves writing poetry and fishing.