Ormond Beach city manager a top-rated finalist for Naples city manager position

Ormond Beach Observer
News

Ormond Beach City Manager Joyce Shanahan is among six finalists to become the next city manager for Naples, earning the most votes in a straw poll during the Naples City Council meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 15.

Shanahan received seven votes, propelling her to the next phase of the Naples job selection — an in-person interview to be conducted in coming months. Though Shanahan said she was initially hesitant to apply for the position, she said she's blessed to be considered. This is the only job she's applied for, and she said she believes she could be a good fit because of similarities between Naples and Ormond Beach.

“Naples, like Ormond Beach is a thriving, stable community with high expectations and engaged and caring residents just like we have here in Ormond Beach," Shanahan said.

Former Volusia County Manager also a finalist

Joining Shanahan in the list of finalists is former Volusia County Manager Jim Dinneen, who earned four votes during the straw poll.

Shortly after leaving Volusia, Dinneen also popped up as a finalist for an open Pinellas County administrator position. Dineen left Volusia County amidst loud calls for his resignation, from elected officials and public alike, over controversy regarding the medical examiner's office and an undisclosed impact fee study.

In his application materials for the Naples city manager position, he stated that he resigned from Volusia against the wishes of six of the seven County Council members in order to pursue a new opportunity rather than stay in a position that "was no longer enjoyable." He wrote that the issue stemed from the "worst possible scenario" as a former deputy he fired was elected to the County Council and began a campaign to have him removed.

County Councilwoman Heather Post is likely the person he referenced, and she said she found his statement "very interesting." Post said she did call for his termination, but during his departure, it was repeated many times that Dinneen wasn't leaving due to pressure from calls to resign.

"The reason he left, and the reason I finally called for his termination, was there were many things that came to light that showed he was not doing his job," Post said. "I think he knows, and he knew, that many more things were coming out.”

Unlike Ormond Beach though, Naples has a smaller population of just over 21,000, according to the 2016 U.S. Census. Their city manager position also pays more, with a salary range of $200,000-$230,000. Shanahan makes $155,000 in Ormond Beach, though she said this wasn't an important factor.

“It’s never really about the money," Shanahan said. "It’s about finding the best fit for an organization. I feel like I fit great here.”

Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington described Shanahan as a "super-professional." He said he would hate to lose her but underands it's a possibility.

“She’s had an amazing career and that would be like the cherry on top of the sundae, if you will, for a city manager," Partington said.

If offered the job, Shanahan said she would give it careful consideration. She said she loves Ormond Beach and its active community, citing it as the reason she accepted the job here. Shanahan added that she's not the type of person to apply to multiple jobs at a time.

She said she's selective because she likes to be part of a community.

“This is a wonderful community," Shanahan said. "I’ve had an amazing time here in Ormond Beach.”