Atlantic Beach commission appoints Kevin Hogancamp as permanent city manager

Mayor Ford recommended making interim City Manager Kevin Hogancamp the permanent city manager, citing what he called substantial progress in the five months Hogancamp has served. "Mister Hogancamp has gotten more done in 5 months than we've gotten done in 2 years," the mayor said during his remarks.

Commissioner Boldt moved to appoint Hogancamp immediately; the motion was seconded and followed by a lengthy debate about process. Several commissioners praised Hogancamp's performance and urged a prompt appointment. Others, including Commissioner Kelly, said the city should keep a formal search policy in place before filling the position permanently. Commissioner Ring and others urged that a written hiring policy be returned to the commission for future searches.

City Attorney Mr. Gabriel advised that the commission has the authority to make the appointment at the meeting and that a prepared agreement could be brought back for finalization. Hogancamp told the commission he would accept the post if approved: "humbly it'd be a great honor."

After discussion, the commission held a roll-call vote and approved the appointment. The commission directed staff to prepare an employment agreement to be presented at a subsequent meeting.

Why it matters: The city manager runs day‑to‑day operations and implements commission policy; making an interim manager permanent shortens a recruitment process and signals the commission's confidence in current leadership. Several commissioners asked staff to draft a written succession/hiring process for future vacancies.

Next steps: Staff will prepare an employment agreement and return it to the commission for consideration.