Cocoa Beach appoints AJ Hudson as acting city manager

The Cocoa Beach City Commission voted 5-0 to appoint AJ Hudson as acting city manager after the city's manager retired on May 16.

The appointment follows a commission decision to hire a search firm and spend $35,000 on a formal recruitment for a permanent city manager. Commissioners said they wanted an interim who would provide stability and not discourage outside applicants during the search.

Commissioner Skip said the commission had already approved a full search and “it would not behoove us ... to put an internal city employee in that position” because doing so could signal the commission had already made up its mind despite voting to spend $35,000 on the recruitment. The commission discussed limiting any interim appointment from applying for the permanent position to protect the integrity of the search process.

AJ Hudson, who previously served 15 years with the city as assistant city manager and as a department director, told the commission he would be willing to serve on an interim basis. “I will serve however the commission chooses,” Hudson said, adding he is retired and not seeking the job long term.

Hudson described priorities he would pursue if appointed, including meeting individually with the mayor and commissioners, checking on litigation and liability with the city attorney, meeting with department heads to review critical needs, and focusing on the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and the upcoming FY2026 process. “Communication is a real big one for, I think, all of us as well,” he said.

Colin Benzinger of Colin Benzinger and Associates, the recruitment consultant hired by the commission, told commissioners a typical timeline for a national search is roughly four to five months from candidate development through vetting, interviews and contract negotiation. “Four to five months is reasonable,” Benzinger said. He estimated a typical schedule could put final selection at about four-and-a-half months when notice periods are included.

Commissioners and public commenters praised Hudson’s experience and called for continuity. Melissa Byron, who applied to be interim herself, publicly endorsed Hudson at the meeting: “I’m going to throw all my support to AJ.” Resident Janice Scott and Margaret Schneider also spoke in support during public comment.

The draft interim employment agreement discussed at the meeting states the interim would receive no health benefits, would be expected to work a minimum 40 hours per week, and would receive personal time off and holidays. The city attorney advised that, assuming the interim waives other benefits, the appointment would not affect Hudson’s pension; Hudson confirmed he would waive benefits if needed.

With a 5-0 vote, the commission approved Hudson’s appointment as acting city manager. Commissioners directed that Hudson and relevant staff complete required signings and paperwork so he could begin in the role while the formal search proceeds.