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Auburndale narrows city manager search to three finalists, schedules interviews Feb. 11
Summary
The Auburndale City Commission selected Jeff Brown, Jeremy Marshall and Ben Ziskal as finalists for city manager on Feb. 2, 2026, and set a public special meeting for interviews on Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m.; the search drew 13 applicants and staff will advertise the special meeting.
The City of Auburndale Commission on Feb. 2, 2026, approved a shortlist of three finalists for the city manager position and scheduled a Special Meeting on Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m. for interviews. The three candidates advanced to interviews are Jeff Brown, Jeremy Marshall, and Ben Ziskal; the motion to approve the list was made by Commissioner Crystal Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner Travis Avery, and carried by unanimous vote.
Former City Manager Bobby Green briefed the Commission on the recruitment steps, noting the position was advertised Dec. 16, 2025, with a Jan. 16, 2026 deadline and that 13 applications were received. Green also provided guidance on the interview process and said the applicants were aware the process is public; he noted Jeremy Marshall has requested Veteran's Preference and summarized the relevant statute to the Commission.
Mayor Alex Cam said Jeff Brown rose to the top for him because of his prior city manager experience and prior service to Auburndale in other roles; the mayor said, "Mr. Brown's cover letter really stood out to him," and highlighted Brown's recent role as Economic Strategic Opportunities Director for Daytona Beach as particularly relevant. Vice Mayor Jordan Helms supported advancing Brown and Jeremy Marshall and proposed adding Suzanne Linton for consideration; Helms characterized Linton's background as having "a very impressive education and tons of certifications from Harvard," but the commission opted to move forward with Brown, Marshall and Ziskal.
Commissioners said they valued a mix of municipal management experience and local knowledge; Commissioner Sean Levy emphasized recruiting someone with vision for economic opportunities. The commission agreed to advertise the interviews as a Special Meeting so formal action could be taken if needed. Bobby Green, Interim City Manager Amy Palmer and the City Attorney will coordinate logistics and question assignments ahead of the Feb. 11 interviews.
The Commission voted unanimously to set the Special Meeting for Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m. to interview the three finalists. If issues arise with any candidate, the commission directed staff to notify commissioners prior to the scheduled meeting.
