Sarasota City Commission Narrows Search for New City Manager to Three Firms

Dade City, Florida, USA - The Sarasota City Commission is embarking on a vital journey to find its next city manager. After an earlier pause in the search process, the city has now shortlisted three firms to help lead this endeavor. Following a meeting held on July 7, the commission unanimously decided to request proposals from three executive search firms. The decision comes after a recommencement of the search that was put on hold back in May.

Those in the final running are MGT Impact Solutions from Tampa, Sumpter Local Government Consulting based in Atlanta, and Slavin Management Consultants from Norcross, Georgia. Each of these firms brings a wealth of experience, particularly in Florida, where Slavin Management has successfully conducted searches for around 60 municipalities, including Sarasota itself. This familiarity with the state’s landscape certainly weighs in their favor, as the commission seeks a new city manager following the retirement of Marlon Brown in October 2024. Doug Jeffcoat was interim city manager before Dave Bullock took over on May 27.

The Search Process

The commission is keen on transparency and public involvement this time around, having learned from previous missteps. The former search, handled by Colin Baenziger & Associates, was halted due to confusion among commissioners. To circumvent any similar issues, the commissioners will interview the finalist firms in a public setting. There’s a palpable eagerness among the commissioners, highlighted by Vice Mayor Debbie Trice’s inquiry into how the proximity of the firms could impact search management costs, while also noting the importance of public engagement.

In this latest round, the selected firms are expected to submit formal proposals detailing costs and services, which will give the commission ample information to work with. The foundation of candidates will also be scrutinized closely, with requests made for information on assurance guarantees, candidate pool sizes, and the firms‘ simultaneous commitments to other searches. This thoughtful evaluation signals the commission’s desire to ensure that they find the best possible candidate for this pivotal role.

Firm Experience and Guarantees

Notably, both Slavin and Sumpter have extended a two-year guarantee to redo the search if the placed candidate leaves within that period. This assurance is not just a safety net; it reflects a commitment to finding the right leader for Sarasota. Commissioner Ahearn-Koch expressed a strong preference for both firms based on this guarantee structure. In discussions during the meeting, a variety of preferences emerged, and there were nuances in each commissioner’s choice, reflecting distinct priorities and perspectives on what the city needs.

As the search unfolds, the firms are required to review videos of recent City Commission meetings to restate key criteria discussed for the new manager. Commissioner Kathy Kelley Ohlrich emphasized the necessity of documenting these criteria to ensure everyone is on the same page. “There’s something to be said for clarity,” she remarked, highlighting the commission’s commitment to making informed decisions.

This renewed search process comes as the city looks to reset after the previous process fell short of expectations. It’s a chance for Sarasota to not only find a capable new city manager but also a moment to engage the community and ensure they are part of the decision-making experience. Let’s stand by to see how this process unfolds, as it could pave the way for a brighter future for our beloved city.

For further details on this developing situation, you can read more at Herald Tribune, Sarasota News Leader, and Affion Public.