“I’m committed to this community, my community. I’m committed to our employees … and I’m extremely honored to be the first woman city manager of my community.”
Those were the words of Patti McLauchlin in June 2021, when she was appointed the first female city manager of Key West.
Her last day as a city employee before retirement is Thursday, July 13.
McLauchlin moved into “the big office” on the second floor of city hall on June 15, 2021 — and the adjective of “interim” was no longer before her title. She was Key West’s city manager — and the first female to have the job.
When I first walked into that office to interview Patti, I immediately snapped a photo of her beneath the artwork that showed the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, with one of her famous quotes, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”
Her desk was already lined with photos of her grandkids, who are two of the main reasons she’s retiring now. Forty-seven years with the City of Key West are the other reasons.
The city commission voted unanimously on June 15, 2021 to make McLauchlin the permanent city manager after her predecessor, Greg Veliz, moved to a job at the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority.
“There’s a new level of calm in the city,” Teri Johnston told McLauchlin at that meeting. “You treat people fairly and equitably. You think before you act and you reach out to the community before you make a decision. We know you’ll lead this community in a moral and equitable way.”
Former city commissioner Greg Davila added back then, “I never liked the word ‘interim’ in front of your name. You are our city manager.”
To honor McLauchlin, thank her for her accessibility and honesty to me as a local media representative, and to wish her the very best in retirement, we gathered a few comments and memories from people who have worked with Patti for a long time and in various capacities.
“I was on the commission through eight city managers. We may have had those with more experience in municipal management, but in Patti, we had the best ‘can do’ spirit in her willingness to do boots-on-the-ground and hands-on all the way.” — City Commissioner Clayton Lopez
“Thank you for hanging in there for 47 years — what an accomplishment and thank you for allowing me to spend the last three years with you in the city manager’s office. Now it’s time for some much-needed rest and relaxation.” — Dorian Patton, city of Key West
“Years before I was ever in consideration for city manager I walked into Patti’s office and told her if I got there, she would be the assistant city manager. She thought I was crazy and we’ve laughed about it often. When the day did eventually come, I reminded her of our conversation and said it was time. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. Patti has given her life to this city and we owe her a great debt of gratitude.” — Greg Veliz, director of Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (and former Key West city manager)
“Patti should be applauded for her 47 years of service to our community. It is a rarity these days for someone to stay engaged with one employer for 4½ decades. As the first woman city manager ever appointed in our 200-year history, Patti handled herself with grace, dignity and a strong commitment to make Key West more livable for all. We wish you peace and fulfillment in your next chapter.” — Key West Mayor Teri Johnston
“The Key West Business Guild is honored and grateful for the overwhelming support we have received from Patti McLauchlin over the years. She has stood by us throughout the good and the bag, and we will miss her greatly.” — Kevin Theriault, Key West Business Guild executive director
“Patti is an inspiration to all of us for her love and dedication to the City of Key West. She will be greatly missed. It has been a pleasure to get to know her in these past few months. I wish her the best in her retirement.” — Key West City Manager Al Childress
“Patti has been a wonderful city manager to work with. She has led the city that she loves. City employee morale has improved significantly throughout her leadership. She will be greatly missed.” — City Commissioner Sam Kaufman
“Patti McLaughlin is one of the finest, most ethical people I have ever known. I am proud to call her my dear friend. But if anyone has earned her retirement, it’s Patti. Now she’ll have the time to be the best ‘mee-maw’ ever!” — Key West City Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover
