Community reception for Venice City Manager candidates 6/24

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

COV

The public is invited to a community reception for the 6 candidates for Venice City Manager, set for 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, in Community Hall at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave.

The community is encouraged to come meet the candidates, interact with them, and ask them questions. There will be light refreshments.

The City Manager candidates are:

Sonia Alves-Viveiros, Business Administrator of Edison Township, N.J., since 2022; and former City Manager for Englewood, N.J.
Andrew Butterfield, recently appointed Interim City Manager of Port Richey, Fla.; and former Chief of Staff/Deputy County Administrator for Manatee County.
James Clinch, Assistant City Manager for the City of Venice since 2021; he started working for the City in 2012 as a Stormwater Engineer.
Bill Lawrence, Town Manager for Lady Lake, Fla., since 2021; and former City Manager for Bowling Green, Fla.
Mark Sohaney, who served in the U.S. Navy for 37 years, most recently as the Chief Executive Officer for the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii and the Naval Air Station in Key West, Fla.
Gus Zambrano, Assistant City Manager for the City of Hollywood, Fla., for nine years; previously, he worked for the City of Miramar, Fla.

The selection of a new City Manager will conclude at a City Council meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, after a sixth-month process. Following final interviews and audience participation, Mayor Nick Pachota will nominate a candidate for City Manager who must be approved by at least 5 Council Members.

Current City Manager Ed Lavallee announced his retirement in January. After 13 years with the City of Venice and a 50-year career in public service, Lavallee will retire Aug. 4.