Naples City Council unanimously agreed Deputy City Manager Gary Young will become city manager, formalizing a decision made two days earlier.
Council voted Jan. 15 to appoint Young, the city’s chief executive officer, making their decision at their Jan. 13 workshop official. Mayor Teresa Heitmann will finalize contract negotiations with Young before approving his contract at Council’s Feb. 5 meeting, when he’ll be sworn in.
On Feb. 1, he’ll take over for City Manager Jay Boodheshwar, who is retiring from public service after roughly 30 years, nearly three with the city. He accepted a private-sector job as director of major gifts for Oxbridge Academy high school in West Palm Beach, where he’s served on the board since his daughters graduated in 2015 and 2018, the school announced in a Facebook post.
“I have already begun the transition process,” Boodheshwar told Council, noting that there are major issues pending in the city. “Fortunately, Gary has been by my side with many, if not most, of these items, so over the next couple of weeks, we will be spending a lot of time together to make sure that the knowledge transfer that needs to happen is done so smoothly.”
Young thanked Council for their vote and support, adding, “I’m honored and humbled to serve.”
Young has been the city’s CFO for nearly four years, after serving as deputy finance director. He joined the city in February 2016 after 30 years as chief deputy auditor for the City of Canton, Ohio. He intended to retire, but after being urged by the city manager, mayor and others, agreed to take the city manager position, possibly until Heitmann finishes her term in three years.
Gary L. Young
On Jan. 30, Council, sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency, will appoint an interim CRA executive director. Boodheshwar held both positions. The city also must fill Young’s finance director position and formalize his salary. Boodheshwar’s yearly salary is $297,675, in addition to perks, such as a housing allowance and city vehicle.
Young will oversee about 525 city employees and a $208.8 million budget and continue to guide the city through major projects, including rebuilding Naples Pier, stormwater and traffic improvements.
Records show Boodheshwar was one of four finalists for the town of Juno Beach town manager position before backing out to accept the Oxbridge Academy position.
“Jay brings with him an impressive 30-year career of dedicated public service, including leadership roles across six communities in three states,” the school said in its Facebook post, adding that he served the town of Palm Beach for more than 16 years, including as deputy town manager.
“His extensive background in community redevelopment and organizational leadership will be pivotal as we pursue these ambitious goals,” the post said. “From his leadership in the Palm Beach County City Management Association [and] approximately $81 million during his tenure with the Palm Beach United Way, Jay has a proven track record of inspiring collaboration and driving meaningful change.”
Boodheshwar and his wife Anne were active in the school while both daughters, Haley and Miranda, attended, and he’s served on the board of trustees and Head of School Search Committee, the post said, noting he’s joining the academy as it embarks on a new strategic plan and comprehensive capital campaign.
