BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2024) — George Brown, long time Deputy City Manager, named City Manager.
The City of Boca Raton announced that George S. Brown has been promoted as the new City Manager. With over 40 years of dedicated service as a City of Boca Raton employee, Brown brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role. Following the retirement of Leif Ahnell, who served as City Manager for 24 years, Brown officially assumed the position on January 1, 2024.
In his new capacity, Brown will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of managing a full service city with over 100,000 residents. He will lead a team of nearly 1,800 employees across eight departments including Police and Fire Rescue Services, Municipal and Utility Services, Recreation, Financial and Development Services and the City Manager’s Office. Brown will continue to guide the city based on the goals and priorities set by the City Council.
“I am honored to continue my service to Boca Raton in this new role, to assist our outstanding City staff in providing the highest level of municipal services, and to support the policy goals and direction of the Mayor and City Council, all in the service of our world-class community,” commented Brown.
Brown, a committed public servant, has been working diligently since 1977 across multiple departments within the City. These include Building Inspection, Code Enforcement, Public Works and Development Services. He has held various roles such as the City’s first Code Enforcement Officer and has served as the Public Services Administrator, Development Services Director, Assistant City Manager and Deputy City Manager since 2004.
Throughout his extensive experience overseeing the City’s Development Services department and leading significant projects, Brown has been involved in several noteworthy initiatives. These include annexations to expand the City’s boundaries, collaborating with Florida Atlantic University to develop its stadium and campus, selling a City golf course, as well as facilitating the recent lease of city land in Mizner Park for The Center for Arts and Innovation.
Beyond his dedicated service to the City of Boca Raton, Brown has actively participated in public administration organizations for many years. He has received a 40 year service award from the International City Management Association and held leadership positions within the Florida City and County Management Association and Palm Beach County City Management. Additionally, Brown has contributed to legislative policy committees of the Florida League of Cities and received numerous Home Rule Hero awards from the League for his advocacy in support of municipal home rule.
Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Brown moved to Boca Raton in 1976 after graduating magna cum laude from Georgetown University.
