City of Palm Coast Announces Next Steps in City Manager Search

Palm Coast, FL – The City of Palm Coast is moving forward in its search for a new City Manager, narrowing the field of candidates to five finalists who will participate in an on-site interview process on April 24-25, 2025.

The search began in December 2024, with the City engaging Strategic Government Resources (SGR)—a consulting firm specializing in local government recruitment—to lead the process. A total of 38 candidates applied for the position, and on March 11, 2025, the Palm Coast City Council selected the top five finalists for in-person interviews.

The finalists are:

• William (Lee) Smith III

• Paul Trombino III

• Richard Hough

• Sonia Alves-Viveiros

• Michael Reese

The City is planning a two-day interview process to give candidates, city leaders, and the community multiple opportunities to connect. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, finalists will participate in community tours, meetings with senior staff, one-on-one interviews with City Council members, and a public meet & greet. The process continues on Friday, April 25, 2025, with 90-minute public interviews between each candidate and the City Council. These interviews will be open to the public and live-streamed on the City’s YouTube channel.

Following these interviews, the City Council will convene for a Special Workshop on April 28 or 29, 2025, to select the next City Manager.

The interview timeline was designed to allow City Council time to fill the District 3 seat, which was vacated by Ray Stevens on February 28, 2025, due to health concerns. The Council is expected to appoint a new representative on April 15, 2025, before the City Manager interviews begin.

The new City Manager will be responsible for implementing the City Council’s strategic action plan, managing daily operations, preparing the annual budget, and ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. This role is pivotal in maintaining Palm Coast’s high quality of life, supporting economic growth, and enhancing municipal services for residents.

The City Council is committed to selecting a leader who demonstrates integrity, accountability, and proactive communication. The next City Manager will work closely with City leadership, staff, and residents to address community needs and advance initiatives that make Palm Coast a premier place to live, work, learn, and play.

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