New Smyrna City Manager David Santucci recently met the Smyrna community at a reception at the Smyrna Town Center. Coming from Coral Springs, Florida, it was Smyrna’s strong sense of community and family-friendly feel that were big draws for him and his family.
“I was also very impressed with the professionalism and demeanor of the Town Council and how they interact with the staff and public,” explained Santucci. “I also felt I would be a good fit for the position, having relevant experience as a City Manager for a full-service city in Florida. Lastly, I was impressed by the City’s financial strength and how well it operated.”
Previously serving as the City Manager for Deerfield Beach, Santucci began his public service career in 2004, working in local government in the public procurement profession in Lee County, Florida, and then with the City of Coconut Creek, Florida. He joined the City of Deerfield Beach in June 2011 as the Purchasing Manager and was promoted to Assistant to the City Manager/Purchasing Director in October 2014. In 2016, he was named Assistant City Manager and appointed City Manager in 2019. His leadership helped steer Deerfield Beach through the COVID-19 pandemic and the post-pandemic staffing challenges, as well as establishing the city as an attractive place for substantial growth and economic revitalization.
Santucci will be responsible for executing the day-to-day responsibilities of managing the Town of Smyrna, fulfilling the policies set by the Town Council, and for coordinating municipal services.
“Dave is the best choice from a pool of qualified candidates,” said Mayor Mary Esther Reed. “He has a proven track record and has been successful in his public career. We look forward to his contribution to help Smyrna move forward. More importantly, we think he will be a great fit with the organization, and we are delighted that he has accepted the position.”
Feeling that Smyrna’s greatest strengths are their financial condition, organizational culture, and strong sense of community, Santucci hopes to accomplish a number of things in the future, including working toward being more strategic in long-term planning with input from the public, council, and staff; modernizing government operations and processes to gain efficiencies; and enhancing the lifestyle quality of the town through intentional community and economic development.”
Honored and humbled by the decision of the Town Council to appoint him as Smyrna’s Town Manager, Santucci has already had the opportunity to interact with the council members and some of the staff.
“Everyone has been welcoming,” he commented. “I have no doubt that making Smyrna a home for me and my family is the right decision. As Town Manager, I look forward to working with the staff, council, and community on tough issues and helping to shape Smyrna’s future.”
Santucci is a former United States Marine Corps Sergeant and a Combat Veteran. He holds a Bachelor of Public Management from Florida Atlantic University and an Associate Degree in Arts from Broward College.
Joining him are his wife of 18 years and their three beautiful daughters. He and his family are excited to join the community.
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