Meet Candidate #3 for Palm Bay City Manager: Mark Sohaney Brings Decades of Military Leadership and Infrastructure Expertise
Meet Candidate #3 for Palm Bay City Manager: Mark Sohaney Brings Decades of Military Leadership and Infrastructure Expertise
Palm Bay, FL – With more than three decades of military leadership and a proven track record managing multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects, Mark Sohaney is among the eight finalists in Palm Bay’s search for its next permanent city manager.
Sohaney most recently served as Commanding Officer of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, where he oversaw a sprawling installation supporting a community of 93,000 people. In that role, he managed over 4,300 personnel, led infrastructure modernization efforts totaling more than $10 billion, and guided partnerships with local and state officials to support emergency preparedness, sustainability, and economic resilience.
Sohaney has also served as Commanding Officer at Naval Air Station Key West, the largest employer and landowner in the Florida Keys. There, Sohaney led through the COVID-19 pandemic and was recognized for his emergency management coordination with Monroe County during hurricanes and other disasters. He also oversaw more than 500 facilities valued at $2.5 billion and played a central role in community engagement and infrastructure development.
Across his naval career, Sohaney directed operations for aviation squadrons, introduced the Navy’s largest maritime aircraft transition program with Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon, and served as executive assistant to the director of maritime operations for the U.S. Pacific Fleet. His leadership is marked by strategic planning, resource management, and a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Sohaney earned a Master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from San Diego State University, graduating summa cum laude. He is a member of both the International City Managers Association and the Florida City and County Management Association.
In his cover letter to Palm Bay officials, Sohaney wrote, “I am prepared to lead Palm Bay with integrity and strategic vision, supporting the City Council’s mission to effectively balance and integrate diverse community interests.”
He was one of the top choices of Councilman Hammer, Councilman Johnson, and Councilman Langevin during the March 20 City Council meeting. Sohaney resides in Key West and will participate in public interviews at Palm Bay City Hall on March 29. The City Council expects to make a final selection and extend a formal offer by April 17.
Palm Bay Live will continue publishing candidate profiles to help residents learn more about the finalists ahead of the interviews.
Review the prior articles:
Meet Candidate # 1
Meet Candidate # 2
