Meet Candidate #7: Gregg Lynk, Former Palm Bay City Manager Returns as Finalist

Palm Bay, FL – Gregg Lynk, who served as Palm Bay’s City Manager from 2015 to 2018, is seeking a return to the role he once held during one of the most transformative periods in the city’s recent history.

Lynk, a Palm Bay resident and seasoned executive from both the public and private sectors, is credited with a dramatic overhaul of city infrastructure and finances during his tenure. Among his key accomplishments was the development and execution of a $60 million, 10-year plan to address decades of deferred maintenance of critical city infrastructure. The plan emerged as a major milestone in the city’s long-standing struggle with outdated culverts and flooding issues, with city staff citing his leadership as instrumental in its passage.

Under Lynk’s leadership, Palm Bay also saw a surge in economic development. He set a three-year target of $60 million in new commercial development but nearly doubled that figure, bringing in $108 million. Lynk also led efforts to refinance city bonds, resulting in millions in savings for taxpayers, improved the city’s bond rating, and implemented a self-funded employee healthcare model that reportedly saved the city over $10 million. He renegotiated public safety contracts, reducing pension liabilities by 15%, and cut administrative liabilities in other benefit categories by 60%.

Despite these accomplishments, Lynk’s tenure came to an abrupt end in 2018 when City Council voted 3-2 to terminate his contract. Councilman Kenny Johnson cast the deciding vote in favor of Lynk’s removal. 

However, during the March 20 City Council meeting, Johnson named Lynk as one of his top choices to return as City Manager, along with Deputy Mayor Jaffe and Councilman Langevin. His shift has reignited public discussion around Lynk’s legacy and the political dynamics that shaped his departure. Johnson’s support comes alongside growing recognition from other city leaders and former staff, many of whom praised Lynk’s leadership, financial acumen, and ability to motivate teams.

In reference interviews conducted by the city’s search consultant, former Fire Chief Jim Stables described Lynk as “a consummate professional. ”Former Deputy Mayor Tres Holton and former Councilmember Harry Santiago praised Lynk’s ability to execute bold initiatives and maintain strong ties to the community, while longtime city staff credited him with boosting morale, fostering collaboration, and showing up to nearly every community event.

Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nancy Peltonen also noted Lynk’s active role in supporting local businesses and improving communication between City Hall and stakeholders. “He was a cheerleader for the area,” she said, highlighting his responsiveness and hands-on approach to governance.

Lynk’s background check revealed a 1994 DWI conviction and a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filed in 2011, both of which were disclosed and addressed during his original hiring process. In a personal statement submitted to the city, Lynk explained that the bankruptcy followed years of medical expenses while caring for his late wife during her battle with ovarian cancer. “While my wife was still alive, we agreed… that the best course of action for the family to get out of the bottomless pit of debt and keep our home would be to declare bankruptcy,” he wrote.

Despite political headwinds and personal challenges, Lynk has maintained a strong base of support from former colleagues and residents. Several past council members have publicly expressed regret over his 2018 dismissal, and references compiled by the city describe him as innovative, resolute, and deeply committed to the community.

If selected again, Lynk says he is ready to “hit the ground running” and lead the city through its next phase of growth. “This is my home,” he wrote in his cover letter. “Palm Bay can be the shining star of Brevard.”