Bunnell, FL – During tonight’s School Board meeting at the Government
Services Building, Superintendent LaShakia Moore will be recommending for hire two Flagler County leaders to be appointed to pivotal executive roles. Current Flagler Schools Human Resources Supervisor Joshua Walker has been named the incoming Chief of Human Resources, and former Acting City Manager of Palm Coast Lauren Johnston will serve as the next Chief of Operations.
Both appointees are proud products of the Flagler Schools system and graduates of Matanzas High School, marking a significant moment for the district’s leadership pipeline. Both have children who also currently attend Flagler Schools.
The appointments come as two veteran administrators prepare for retirement. Bob Ouellette, Chief of Human Resources, and Dave Freeman, Chief of Operations, will both conclude their careers on July 1, 2026.
Since joining Flagler Schools in 2020, Ouellette has been a stabilizing force in personnel management for Flagler County’s largest employer, serving as Coordinator of Professional Standards before becoming Chief of Human Resources in 2022.
With more than a decade of experience under his belt with Flagler Schools, Freeman, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and highly decorated combat veteran, served in district leadership roles in Transportation and Maintenance before assuming the role of Chief of Operations in 2023.
To ensure a seamless transition of district services, both Walker and Johnston are scheduled to begin their new roles on April 20, allowing for a ten-week mentorship period alongside their predecessors.
“Finding the right leaders to build upon the foundations laid by Mr. Ouellette and Mr. Freeman was a top priority,” said Superintendent LaShakia Moore. “In Mr. Walker and Ms. Johnston, we have two individuals who not only possess the professional expertise required for these important roles, but also a deep, personal investment in our community. They understand where we’ve been and have the vision to take us where we need to go.”
A veteran of the district for over a decade, Walker’s career has been defined by a commitment to the educators and staff of Flagler County. “I am incredibly honored and enthusiastic about this opportunity to serve the district that shaped me,” said Walker. “My goal is to help move our schools forward by recruiting and supporting the best talent possible, ensuring Flagler Schools remains a premier destination for educators and students.”
Johnston returns to her roots in Flagler Schools after a distinguished tenure with the City of Palm Coast, where she served as Assistant City Manager and Acting City Manager. She holds the distinction of being a member of the very first graduating class of Matanzas High School in 2008.
“Coming back to Flagler Schools in this capacity is a true homecoming,” said Johnston. “I look forward to applying my experience in municipal management to oversee the vital infrastructure of our district. Ensuring our facilities and operations run efficiently is key to providing a safe, world-class learning environment for our children.”
