Fort Walton Beach City Council has selected three finalists from a field of 11 candidates to potentially become the city’s next permanent city manager.
During last Tuesday night’s regular meeting, the council narrowed its search to:
- Brian Bulthuis, former city manager of Clermont, Florida
- Jason Davis, deputy county administrator of St. Lucie County, Florida
- Mark Rooney, village administrator of Campton Hills, Illinois
The public will have an opportunity to meet the three finalists during a reception scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at the City’s Public Works and Utility Services Field Office Complex, located at 7 Hollywood Blvd. NW.
The selection process began in January following the retirement of City Manager Jeff Peters, who left his position on January 24 to accept a position with the county. Former Fort Walton Beach City Councilman Dennis Reeves has been serving as interim city manager since then.
In January, the city council hired Colin Baenziger & Associates to conduct a nationwide search for qualified candidates. The firm, which also assisted with previous city manager searches, conducted extensive background checks on all applicants before presenting the council with a list of recommended candidates.
- The search process included individual meetings between council members and the recruiting firm to determine the qualifications and characteristics desired in the next city manager.
The final selection follows the council’s January discussion about the importance of separating the interim and permanent positions. During that meeting, council members expressed concern that having an interim manager who wanted the permanent position might discourage other qualified candidates from applying.
Reeves was appointed by a 6-1 vote in January, with the understanding that he would serve temporarily while the permanent search was conducted. The city charter requires appointment of a permanent city manager within 180 days.
The council is expected to make its final selection following interviews with the three candidates and feedback from the public meet-and-greet session.
