Omenhiser named new Venice Assistant City Manager

COV

Following a nationwide search, Roger Omenhiser of Miami Beach has been selected as the new Venice Assistant City Manager.

Born in St. Petersburg, Fla., Omenhiser earned a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in government from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. He earned a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from the University of Florida. He is currently a Certified Government Financial Manager.

Omenhiser most recently completed a 24-year career in the Coast Guard, with his final assignment as Commanding Officer of USCG Base Miami Beach. In that role, he oversaw the safety, security and operations of a 340-acre installation supporting 752 personnel, and managed a $5.5 million budget while coordinating logistics for over 8,000 employees across the Southeast U.S., Puerto Rico and Caribbean. He also led contingency response following hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton, directing reconstitution efforts and emergency contracting for rapid restoration of utilities, civil and IT infrastructure for resumption of normal Coast Guard activities.

“The military has instilled in me a passion to serve, but it kept me and my family from putting down roots due to military transfers to new duty stations throughout my career,” Omenhiser said. “With municipal government I can have the best of both worlds –  I can continue to serve while becoming a more permanent part of a community.

“As I advanced throughout my military career, I learned a good deal about how to lead people, how to care for people and how to empower the people who work for you. With these skills, I hope to get the best out of our City employees, to keep the City of Venice a highly desirable place to work, and to perpetuate a cohesive team environment.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Roger to the City of Venice team,” said City Manager James Clinch. “He brings a depth of leadership and operational experience that will be a tremendous asset to the Venice community. His experience managing complex public operations and budgets will be extremely valuable as we all strive to deliver our exceptional city services as efficiently as possible. Most importantly, Roger brings the values that matter most to Venice: collaboration, service and public trust.”

Roger and his wife Cheryl have been married for 18 years. They have 11-year-old twins, Ethan and Evelyn.

“Even though I left the state as a boy because my dad joined the Army, I knew I wanted to return to Florida’s west gulf coast after my Coast Guard career,” Omenhiser said. “This part of Florida has always been home to me.”

Omenhiser starts with the City on Feb. 9. The role of Assistant City Manager was previously held by Clinch, who was promoted to City Manager in August 2025.