At their city commission meeting on December 12, Key West authorities intend to choose one of the five contenders as the new city manager.
All seven of the local lawmakers will be present for the inaugural meeting, including Aaron Castillo, the newest commissioner, whose installation was postponed because his wife passed away tragically a few days after he won the election on November 5.
Brian Barroso, James Brownlee, Rod Delostrinos, Steve McAlearney, and Mark Sohaney are the five finalists. Their applications and resumes can be found at cityofkeywest-fl.gov, the city’s website. Select the City Manager Search tab from the main page.
Whether through long-term residency, previous military service, present work with the city, or a mix of the three, each finalist has strong ties to Key West.
Currently serving as the city’s director of transportation, Delostrinos is a native of Key West, has been employed for 15 years, and has a master’s degree in public administration.
In his resume letter, Delostrino stated, “My leadership approach is to build trust in a team environment that inspires members to produce their best results.”
McAlearney started working for the city and has held the positions of director of engineering and director of ports and marine services after retiring from the Navy after 27 years of service as commander of Naval Air Station Key West. Todd Stoughton, the interim city manager who did not apply for the permanent city manager position, currently has him as his deputy city manager. McAlearney has a master’s degree in national security and resource planning in addition to an engineering degree. He promised to manage the city in an honest and moral manner in his cover letter.
If chosen, I’ll make sure employees are aware that they must feel at ease with every email being displayed above the fold in our local newspapers. McAlearney added in his cover letter, “I will not accept any hidden agendas, and I will assure you that every citizen will be treated equally and fairly in their dealings with the city.”
In addition, Sohaney and Brownlee have recently served in the military in executive leadership roles and have worked closely with local officials and citizens in Key West.
Sohaney was the commander of Naval Air Station Key West before Capt. Beth Regoli.
In his resume letter, Sohaney states, “My prior position as commanding officer at NAS Key West sharpened my leadership abilities in overseeing large-scale operations and provided me with invaluable insights into the unique challenges facing the Key West community, particularly regarding affordable housing.”
Prior to his retirement from the Navy in May, Brownlee served as the executive officer of NAS Key West. He holds an aviation science master’s degree.
According to his credentials, he has shown experience in problem-solving, creating high-achieving teams, and leveraging data to enhance procedures.
Currently residing in Charlotte, North Carolina, Barroso is a banker and a graduate of Key West High School. He has previously held positions on a number of boards, including the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority board, which was nominated by the governor.
In his cover letter, Barroso stated, “I thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced situations, striving for positive results by applying my leadership and management abilities.” In addition, I have financial knowledge and the ability to motivate coworkers and maximize performance. The commission’s 4-3 decision in June to remove city manager Al Childress without cause in spite of the protests of dozens of citizens who flocked to city hall to voice their support for him created the need for a new city manager. Childress was supported by then-mayor Teri Johnston, Commissioners Sam Kaufman and Mary Lou Hoover, and others.
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