Commissioners debate search process, candidate pool and local fit after finalist interviews

At the Sept. 4 special meeting commissioners debated whether to hire an outside executive search firm or continue with the current finalist process. Commissioner Carney said the board had a fair pool of applicants and favored staying the course rather than paying $30,000–$50,000 for a recruiter, while other commissioners said a professional firm might produce a different pool but would take longer.

"We let FAC narrow down 81 people...30 qualified," Commissioner Carney said, laying out the board’s internal filtering numbers and arguing the board had sufficient options. Other commissioners countered that additional outreach could surface stronger candidates. A recurring concern centered on local fit: several commissioners worried that candidate Erin Van Cleet’s long Volusia County experience might translate into bringing Volusia-style staff or approaches to Flagler County. Commissioner Carney said she 'just see[s] us becoming Volusia County' if that happened; other commissioners emphasized Van Cleet’s ability to learn local issues and the potential for long-term stability given his regional ties.

The exchange included practical next steps: commissioners agreed to submit focused follow-up questions for the leading candidate, hold one-on-one interviews (with rules limiting more than one commissioner meeting with the candidate alone), and consider a public workshop so constitutional officers and residents could hear answers on finance and local issues. The board did not reach agreement to reopen a full professional search and instead prioritized deeper vetting of the current leading finalist.