Naples City Manager Jay Boodheswar will retire from his position Jan. 31 after 2 ½ years on the job, city officials announced.
“Serving the citizens of Naples alongside my 500-plus teammates has been one of the highlights of my career,” Boodheshwar wrote in a letter to Mayor Teresa Heitmann and Naples City Council dated Dec. 17. “Together, we have navigated challenges and seized opportunities, always striving to enhance the quality of life for all who call this beautiful city home.”
The city didn’t provide details of Boodheshwar’s next opportunity.
Jay Boodheshwar
“This decision did not come easily as serving the public has been my calling, but for everything, there is a season,” Boodheshwar wrote. “In the weeks ahead, I will share with you the incredible and deeply meaningful opportunity presented to me that I couldn’t pass up.”
Boodheshwar spent 30 years in public service in Indiana, Ohio and Florida, including 16 years as deputy town manager in Palm Beach prior to his stint in Naples.
He brought some stability to the city manager position in Naples when he started in May 2022 at an annual base salary of $270,000.
Previous city manager Charles Chapman resigned in May 2021 during a heated Council meeting. Council then voted unanimously to name then Deputy City Manager Dana Souza as interim city manager. But city of Sanibel hired Souza to be its permanent city manager. Council then unanimously selected Fire Chief Pete DiMaria to be interim city manager. DiMaria served in that role until Boodheshwar arrived.
City officials praised him for helping respond to emergencies and recovery efforts, improving internal culture, stabilizing attrition and prioritizing community needs.
“Mr. Boodheshwar has been an exceptional leader, guiding our city through pivotal moments with professionalism, a commitment to excellence and dedication to serve our community. We are grateful for his service and wish him and his family all the best in this next chapter,” Heitmann said.
City officials said Boodheshwar will work closely with city leadership to ensure “a smooth transition.” He will assist Heitmann, Council, deputy city managers and senior staff in prioritizing key projects and responsibilities before his departure.
Council will begin discussions regarding selecting a new city manager when it reconvenes in January.
