DBCC Makes Its Choice For New City Manager

Daytona Beach, FL - Daytona Beach City Commissioners chose 44-year-old Deric Feacher as the city's new manager during a special meeting yesterday (March 27). The decision came after one-on-one interviews with the Commission. Feacher is one of the top five finalists.

Prior to the final decision, three of the finalists withdrew. They are Thomas Hutka, who withdrew on March 16, Caryn Gardner-Young on March 19, and Terry Suggs on March 26.

City Manager Search Down To 5 Candidates

Here is a synopsis of his resume: 

Feacher has 20 years of senior level executive experience managing local government. He is currently employed as city manager of Haines City, Florida. 

Career highlights:

• During his tenure as city manager of Winter Haven, Florida, the city experienced major residential and commercial growth, and received an increase in grant funding
• Winter Haven received its first audit with no findings or management concerns in more than 10 years under his leadership
• At Haines City, Feacher instituted an affordable housing program to assist nonprofits, individuals and groups

Strengths:

• Evaluating operations and identifying the strengths and skills of employees
• Revitalizing downtown neighborhoods
• Working with local entities to build affordable workforce housing 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science from Bethune-Cookman University
• Completion of Harvard University’s senior executive in state and local government executive education program

The next step in the process is for Commissioner Aaron Delgado and City Attorney Bob Jagger to negotiate an employment agreement and determine a start date.