Melbourne Beach hires MGT to run town manager search after two presentations; vote 3-2

Melbourne Beach commissioners voted to hire MGT to conduct the town manager search after hearing presentations from two executive-search firms and a public comment period. The motion to enter a contract with MGT passed by a 3-2 tally; the transcript records the final outcome as a 3-2 vote but does not list individual roll-call votes for the final selection.

The decision followed two hourlong presentations. A recruiter from MGT (identified in the meeting as Jim, recruiter, MGT) gave a detailed overview of his firm’s recruiting network and methodology, emphasizing active outreach, candidate screening and a one-year placement guarantee. He said the typical search timeline is about 90 to 120 days but told commissioners it could be shortened if the town moves quickly on approvals and interview scheduling. “No matter how qualified somebody is, it’s all about cultural fit,” he said when describing what he looks for in finalists.

Anne Lewis, senior manager with Raftelis, presented the second proposal. Lewis described Raftelis’s process of stakeholder interviews, a recruitment brochure built from individual and group interviews, targeted outreach (including ICMA and state manager associations), and telephone screening of semifinalists. “When I perform an executive search, my goal is no surprises,” Lewis said, describing the firm’s approach to background checks and internet searches and its practice of presenting a candidate book for the commission’s review.

Why it mattered: The town’s manager position is now vacant, and commissioners said…