The Venice City Council held a special meeting on June 25, 2025, to conduct final interviews and select a new city manager. The meeting featured a series of candidate presentations, with a focus on their qualifications and visions for the city.

One candidate, who has a diverse background in public service, shared his journey from law enforcement to municipal management. He began his career at the age of 21 in law enforcement, motivated by a desire to serve his community. After 27 years, he became the police chief in Lincoln, Maine, where he emphasized the importance of teamwork and community engagement in achieving success.

Transitioning to the role of interim town manager in Lincoln, he discovered a greater capacity to impact the community compared to his previous role as police chief. He highlighted his current position in Lady Lake, Florida, where he is managing significant growth, including the construction of 4,000 housing units. He discussed the challenges of maintaining a small-town feel amidst rapid development and the importance of infrastructure improvements, such as new water and wastewater systems.

The candidate also expressed a commitment to mentoring young leaders, noting initiatives he implemented in Lady Lake to engage students in public service through mock commission meetings. He believes in fostering leadership from within and developing the next generation of public servants.

As the meeting progressed, council members engaged with candidates, asking them to reflect on their defining moments that fueled their passion for leadership. This discussion aimed to gauge the candidates' energy and commitment to the role of city manager.

The meeting concluded with the council deliberating on the candidates, with the expectation of making a decision that would shape the future leadership of Venice. The selection of a new city manager is a critical step for the city as it navigates growth and community needs.