It’s down to three: Winter Springs could choose manager next week

Winter Springs could choose a new city manager as early as this coming Monday, as the pool of candidates has whittled down to three.

Winter Springs initially had five finalist candidates for the city’s top job. One candidate dropped out before last week’s commission meeting, not wanting their name to become public. 

The Winter Springs City Commission could vote on a new city manager on Aug. 26.

The four candidates were: 

• David Jones, city manager of Ankeny, Iowa
• Scott Moye, county manager of Ware County, Ga.
• Richard Reade, deputy county manager and interim public works director of Okeechobee County, Fla.
• Kevin Sweet, town manager of Wrentham, Mass. 

However, Moye decided to withdraw. 

“Unfortunately, I had to withdraw from being a finalist due to a scheduling conflict with interviewing,” Moye wrote in an email to Oviedo Community News. 

The Winter Springs City Commission voted to hold interviews during the day on Aug. 26 and then vote that evening on possibly bringing in one or two finalists. Of the three remaining candidates, two — Reade and Sweet — are coming for in-person interviews.

“On their own dime,” Winter Springs Mayor Kevin McCann told Oviedo Community News. “It seems like the last three are really motivated to move to Winter Springs.”

Winter Springs has been without a permanent city manager since February of 2023, when then-manager Shawn Boyle retired, citing “emotional and physical distress.” The city was on the verge of hiring a manager in September of 2023, but the top candidate withdrew after a contentious city meeting where Commissioner Cade Resnick questioned the candidate’s leadership style.

The role of city manager is key in Winter Spring’s governmental structure, and is the only member of staff the City Commission can hire and fire. Managers play a key role in setting priorities for a city, including on key issues such as growth and development. In an effort to help residents know more about the possible people moving into this role, Oviedo Community News reached out to all candidates and asked them the same questions. Three of them responded, including Moye, who answered the questions but then withdrew. Only one candidate answered all the questions sent. 

Below is a synopsis of candidate profile information and their responses to the questions. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order. The answers have been edited only for clarity and grammar.  

Want to let your elected officials know how you feel about the candidates? Find contact information for Mayor Kevin McCann here and contact information for the rest of the Commission here. 

Name: David A. Jones

Current job: City Manager of the city of Ankeny, Iowa (population 74,458)

Current salary: $249,720

Information from the city’s consultant’s questionnaire: “When I arrived in Ankeny in 2013, a main focus of the City Council was to shore up its finances, specifically its use of general obligation debt to fund capital projects. As a fast-growing city, Ankeny had borrowed heavily and found itself outside of its internal policy goal of utilizing no more than 80% of its debt capacity. The challenge: there was ongoing pressure for more projects and significant public facility needs, but the Council made it clear it wanted to reduce its higher-than-most debt service property tax levy. Over the next several years, with cooperation and work of the mayor, Council, management and staff, a number of changes were implemented that resulted in substantial improvements to the financial condition of the City.”

Oviedo Community News questionnaire: Jones declined to answer questions, saying that some of the questions could come up during the interview and he wants to respect the City Commission’s interview process. 

“What I will say is that I have been to Winter Springs and am familiar with the area and community,” Jones wrote. “Winter Springs is a beautiful place. Its financial position is very strong and it is an important part of an incredibly strong region. What drew me to apply to the position is knowing a bit about the community, believing it is well-positioned for future success, and believing my background, skills and experience could be a strong fit.”

Name: Richard J. Reade

Current position: Deputy County Administrator and Interim Public Works Administrator for Okeechobee County, Fla. (population 40,266)

Current salary: $126,384 (rising to $139,689 in the coming months)

Information from the city’s consultant’s questionnaire: Our county is transitioning from a community that has historically focused on agricultural-related industry and jobs to one that is planning and experiencing significant growth and development due to the pressures that are being experienced all throughout South Florida. Okeechobee County’s economy is growing with new retail, commercial and industrial businesses relocating and/or being established within our community. The close proximity to large metropolitan areas (i.e., Orlando, St. Lucie, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Naples. Miami, etc.), international airports and major roadways as well as lower operational costs is driving interest in our county. This new growth is evidenced by a 339% increase in annual building permit revenue over the past 10 years and is expected to be significantly higher over the next few years.

Oviedo Community News questionnaire: Reade did not respond to emails and phone calls seeking comment before OCN’s publication deadline.

Name: Kevin Sweet

Current job: Town Manager of Wrentham, Mass. (population 11,964). Editor’s note: Oviedo Community News requested headshots of all the candidates, but Sweet was the only one who responded with one. 

Current salary: $217,500

Information from the city’s consultant’s questionnaire: Balancing environmental preservation with economic sustainability requires a thoughtful and deliberate approach. Municipal leaders must recognize that these goals are not mutually exclusive; rather, they can be complementary. A healthy environment contributes to a higher quality of life, attracting businesses, residents, and visitors, thereby fostering economic growth. In my professional experience, I have successfully implemented programs and policies that promote environmental sustainability while supporting economic development. As City Manager of Winter Springs, I would prioritize a balanced approach that aligns environmental preservation with economic sustainability, ensuring the community thrives both now and in the future.

Oviedo Community News questionnaire: 

1) What drew you to the city of Winter Springs as a candidate for city manager?

My decision to apply for the city manager position in Winter Springs was a thoughtful and deliberate one. I have served in local government for over 20 years in Massachusetts, and during that time, I have been fortunate to work with outstanding communities, dedicated staff and elected officials, achieving significant milestones together. My current community has been a wonderful place to serve, and it shares many similarities with Winter Springs, such as being a family-friendly, safe suburban area with excellent schools and a strong sense of community.

However, after much reflection and discussion with my family, we decided that it was time to explore new opportunities. Our son currently attends school in the Tampa Bay area with another following behind him, as well as immediate family relocating. The prospect of being closer to them was a significant factor in our desire to relocate. Beyond the personal aspect, I was drawn to Winter Springs because of the city’s reputation for being a vibrant, well-managed community that places a high value on safety, education, and quality of life, values that are deeply important to me as both a professional and a resident.

I am not a municipal manager who jumps from one position to another; I believe in long-term commitment and building lasting relationships within the community I serve. Before applying, I made several purposeful visits to Winter Springs to spend time in the community, visit city facilities, and assess the infrastructure. These visits allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s unique character, challenges and to gauge whether there was a mutual fit between my experience, my values, and the needs of Winter Springs. In addition, I have spent several hours viewing meetings and reviewing documents. What I found was a community that aligns closely with my professional background and personal values. Winter Springs, like my current community, is a place where families thrive and residents take pride in their surroundings. The city’s focus on preserving its natural environment, coupled with its commitment to responsible growth, resonates with my own philosophy of sustainable development and strategic planning.

Ultimately, I was drawn to Winter Springs because I see it as a place where I can make a meaningful impact, not just as a city manager but as an active and engaged member of the community. My goal is to contribute to the city’s ongoing success, to work collaboratively with the mayor, Commission, staff, and residents, and to help guide Winter Springs through the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

2) Understanding that things may change if you’re in the position, but what do you see as the biggest challenges for Winter Springs?

Winter Springs faces several key challenges that will require a collaborative and proactive approach from the City Manager. One of the most significant challenges is the need to rebuild trust within the community, particularly in light of recent turnover and changes in leadership. Trust in community leadership is vital, and it depends on approachability and accessibility. When leaders are open, transparent, and engaged with residents, it fosters a sense of collaboration and shared purpose. As city manager, I would prioritize being visible and approachable, ensuring that residents feel their voices are heard and that their concerns are addressed in a timely and respectful manner. Building a cohesive team approach, working closely with the mayor and Commission, ensuring they receive timely, accurate and transparent information is paramount to a successful commission/manager relationship.

Another major challenge is the ongoing improvement of water and wastewater infrastructure, which is critical to the city’s long-term sustainability and quality of life. Addressing the stormwater management issues will be essential in mitigating the risks to both property and the environment. These infrastructure challenges are not just about maintenance but also about planning for the future, ensuring that the city’s growth is supported by reliable and resilient systems. Enhancing emergency-preparedness planning is critical. Given the city’s location, with water generally flowing northward from Orlando through various natural waterways, it is essential to have robust plans in place for an effective response. My more than 15 years of experience as a local director of emergency management, where I directly managed eight FEMA federal disaster declarations, positions me well to lead these efforts. I would work to ensure that Winter Springs is prepared to face any emergencies with confidence, minimizing the impact on residents and infrastructure.

In addition to infrastructure, fostering sustainable economic development will be crucial as Winter Springs continues to grow. Balancing the need for economic vitality with the preservation of the city’s natural beauty and community character is a delicate task. The city manager must work closely with the Commission, staff, businesses, and residents to create a strategic plan that encourages responsible growth while maintaining the high quality of life that Winter Springs is known for. These challenges, while significant, also present opportunities for Winter Springs to strengthen its foundations and build a more resilient, cohesive community. By addressing these issues with a collaborative and transparent approach, I believe we can ensure that Winter Springs not only meets these challenges but thrives in the years to come.

3) What do you see as the biggest opportunities in Winter Springs?

Winter Springs is a city with tremendous potential, and there are several key opportunities that can be leveraged to ensure continued success and growth. First and foremost, the city has a lot to be proud of, including the recent upgrade to its bond rating. This achievement reflects the city’s strong financial health and responsible fiscal management, which are critical foundations for future growth. Working closely with the finance team, there is an opportunity to build upon this financial strength by continuing to refine and enhance the city’s financial management practices. My background in municipal finance, combined with my extensive work and educational experience in this area, positions me well to contribute to the city’s ongoing financial stability and success. The recent bond rating upgrade opens the door for further investment in critical infrastructure projects, such as water, wastewater, and stormwater management. These projects are essential for supporting growth and ensuring that the city’s infrastructure can meet the demands of a growing population. By investing in these areas, the city can position itself for long-term success while maintaining the high standards that residents expect.

Another significant opportunity lies in effective growth management. As the city continues to attract new residents and businesses, it will be important to balance future opportunities with the needs and expectations of current residents. This involves careful planning to ensure that new developments align with the city’s long-term vision and that they enhance, rather than detract from, the quality of life that makes Winter Springs so special. There is also great potential in expanding the city’s economic base to help alleviate the residential tax burden. By attracting commercial growth that aligns with the community’s values, Winter Springs can strengthen its local economy while maintaining its character. Strategic community and economic development, paired with sustainable practices, can help the city grow in a way that benefits all residents. The city’s commitment to preserving its natural environment and providing exceptional recreational opportunities presents another avenue for growth. By continuing to invest in parks, green spaces, and community amenities, Winter Springs can enhance its appeal as a great place to live, work, and play. This not only improves the quality of life for current residents but also attracts new families and businesses to the area.

I am excited about the prospect of working collaboratively with the mayor, Commission, staff, and community to seize these opportunities and ensure that Winter Springs continues to thrive.

4) It’s no secret that there has been turnover and some turmoil in the city. What message would you have for city staff?

My message to the city staff is one of optimism and commitment. If selected, I am here to lead with transparency, to support your efforts, and to work collaboratively to achieve our shared goals. Together, we will continue to make Winter Springs a community that residents are proud to call home.

First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of all the staff, particularly Interim City Manager Philip Hursh, who has admirably stepped up during this transition. Having served in the top seat for more than 11 years, I fully understand the challenges and often thankless nature of the role he has assumed. From my observations, it’s clear that the city has an outstanding and committed team that has continued to serve the community with excellence, even amidst the turnover. What the team needs now is a city manager who can provide stable and consistent leadership so they can move forward with confidence and focus on their important work.

I am particularly skilled in managing transitions, having successfully guided other communities through periods of change. I understand that change can be challenging, but it also presents an opportunity for growth and renewal. My approach to managing this transition in Winter Springs would include a well-structured entry plan that emphasizes transparent communication about expectations, goals, and the path forward. I believe it is crucial to start by actively listening rather than rushing into action. The objective is to thoroughly understand the organization, its people, and the community, while ensuring that ongoing projects and initiatives continue to progress smoothly. Understanding the importance of developing strong relationships with the senior management staff from day one, I plan to foster an environment of open communication, trust, and mutual respect. My leadership philosophy is based on the belief that organizations thrive on the strength and commitment of their people. It’s crucial for all staff to have a clear understanding of expectations regarding conduct, work ethic, and results. As city manager, I will embody the positivity, performance, and dedication that is expected of all employees.

My goal is to create a cohesive team where every member feels valued and empowered to contribute to the city’s success. I want to assure the staff that I am here to listen, support, and work alongside them as we navigate this transition together. I am committed to providing the leadership needed to move Winter Springs forward, building on the strong foundation that already exists, and ensuring that the city continues to thrive.