Palm Bay City Manager Search Moves Forward as Council Prepares for Interviews

Palm Bay, FL – Following the controversial firing of former City Manager Suzanne Sherman, the Palm Bay City Council is moving forward in its search for a permanent replacement. With 115 applications submitted before the February 28th deadline, the selection process is now underway, with critical decisions looming in the coming weeks.

Interim City Manager Scott Morgan has outlined the next steps in the hiring process, emphasizing a structured approach to narrowing down candidates. Two retired city managers from Central Florida volunteered their time to assist in reviewing applications at no cost to the city. They categorized applicants into three tiers: highly qualified, well qualified, and less qualified. The council received this analysis on Friday, March 7.

At an upcoming City Council meeting on Thursday, March 20, council members will discuss their top five choices for interviews. If a candidate appears in multiple selections, they will likely be invited to an in-person interview. However, the final number of candidates to be interviewed will be determined by council consensus. Interviews are scheduled to take place in a special council meeting on Saturday, March 29. The goal is for the council to finalize its choice by the end of March, allowing time for thorough background checks before making a formal job offer in April.

According to Morgan, the city aims to have the new City Manager under contract by May 1, though the official start date will depend on the selected candidate’s availability. “We are looking for stability,” Morgan emphasized. “This is a crucial hire, and we need someone who will commit to Palm Bay long-term.”

The city has enlisted additional resources to ensure a smooth selection process, with council members individually reviewing applications and preparing their recommendations ahead of the March 20 discussion. Morgan stressed that transparency will be a key component, with all major deliberations taking place in public meetings.

The 115 applicants bring a range of backgrounds, including experience in municipal administration, finance, infrastructure management, and public safety. Some candidates have held leadership positions in city government, while others bring private-sector management expertise. Among them are individuals with experience in crisis management, economic development, sustainability planning, and urban infrastructure.

One of the more controversial applicants is Gregg Lynk, Palm Bay’s former City Manager who was fired in 2018. An FBI recording later resurfaced, allegedly capturing Lynk offering a city councilman a vehicle allowance in exchange for favorable votes. His attempt to return to the position has raised concerns among residents and council members alike.

In recent years, the City Manager position has come with a salary around $240,000 per year. Both Suzanne Sherman, who held the role before being terminated, and Interim City Manager Scott Morgan earned salaries in this range, with Morgan’s salary prorated for the duration of his service. 

With interviews set for March 29, residents and officials alike are watching closely. The council must balance experience, leadership skills, and integrity when making their decision. The stakes are high—Palm Bay has faced significant governance challenges in recent years, and the next City Manager will play a critical role in shaping the city’s future.

Following the interviews, the council will conduct extensive background checks on finalists before making a formal offer. The selected candidate will need to negotiate a contract with the city, which will then be voted on in a public meeting. While the council hopes to have a new City Manager in place by May, the timeline could shift depending on negotiations and candidate availability.

Palm Bay Live will continue providing updates as the selection process unfolds, ensuring that residents stay informed on one of the most important leadership transitions in the city’s recent history.