Fort Pierce City Commissioners Choose Richard Chess as City Manager

Fort Pierce City Commissioners Select Richard Chess as New City Manager

In a 3-2 vote, Fort Pierce city commissioners have chosen Richard Chess, Broward County’s assistant general manager of transportation and finance, as the new city manager. This decision comes after a tumultuous process that began with the arrest of former City Manager Nick Mimms and included lost applications and last-minute candidate withdrawals.

Chess, 63, was the preferred candidate for Arnold Gaines and Curtis Johnson, who emphasized the need for an outside candidate to bring about change. Despite initial support for another candidate, James Taylor eventually backed Chess, citing the necessity for new perspectives and a fresh approach.

The debate among commissioners centered around the choice between internal candidate Linda Cox, the acting city manager, and external candidate Richard Chess. While some argued that Cox’s familiarity with City Hall would facilitate immediate change, others believed that Chess’s background as an accountant and auditor would bring a fresh perspective to the role.

Chess’s philosophy on growth and experience managing a large number of employees in Broward County were also highlighted as reasons for his selection. Additionally, the potential team of Chess, Cox, and City Attorney Sara Hedges was described as a “dream team” by Johnson.

Deputy City Manager DeVoshay Johnson has been appointed as the interim city manager until Chess can assume the position, which is expected to take about two months. The job posting for the position lists the salary range at $155,260-$256,600.

Overall, the selection of Richard Chess as the new city manager reflects the commissioners’ desire for change and a fresh perspective to lead Fort Pierce into the future.