Monroe County’s senior director of strategic planning and libraries will take the reins as Islamorada’s interim manager come the first of the year. That’s according to County Administrator Roman Gastesi, who confirmed to the Keys Weekly on Monday that Kimberly Matthews is line to become the village’s next interim manager.
A transition from Ed Koconis, county director of permitting who took the interim position in early October, to Matthews will begin Jan. 6, Gastesi said. Islamorada village council members are expected to discuss the change at the Tuesday, Nov. 7 meeting at Founders Park Community Center. County Commissioners will also discuss the swap at the Wednesday, Nov. 8 meeting at the Harvey Government Center in Key West.
Gastesi said he sought interested members from his senior management team at a recent meeting, to which Matthews raised her hand.
“I think it’s a good selection,” Gastesi said. “She’s well prepared and has a great resume.”
Koconis replaced Bryan Cook, human resources director who came in on loan from the county on Aug. 6 after the village council voted 3-2 on a resolution not to renew then-manager Ted Yates’ contract. The idea to aid the village came from Gastesi, who’s also Islamorada resident. Cook worked for the village for about 60 days before Koconis was tapped by Gastesi as the next interim manager.
Koconis’ 60-day stent ends Dec. 6. Maria Bassett, village finance director, is expected to serve as interim village manager through December.
No changes are expected in an agreement between the village and county other than a name change to reflect Matthews’ service.
A swap comes as the village council works to figure out the next permanent manager. Following the departure of Yates, council members elected to take the job search into their own hands instead of hiring a head hunting firm like previous councils. Roughly 45 candidates submitted applications to the village for the job.
Names of 17 candidates were submitted by council members to Marne McGrath, village clerk, before an Oct. 25 deadline. Interviews are slated for Tuesday, Nov. 14 via Zoom with the candidates.
