City Manager Goad Steps Down After Nearly a Decade of Leadership

Date: April 28, 2024
Retirement Effective: End of Fiscal Year

Reese Goad, the Tallahassee City Manager, has announced his retirement after almost ten years in office. He reached the age and service milestones that qualify him for full retirement, having completed 30 years in government—including five with the state.

Key Highlights of Goad’s Tenure

• Disaster Leadership – Guided the city through hurricanes, a tornado outbreak, and the COVID‑19 pandemic amid a highly polarized political climate.
• Healthcare Expansion – Oversaw the sale of the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare campus to Florida State University, a deal projected to inject hundreds of millions into local healthcare.
• Smart Grid Initiative – Launched a pioneering smart grid program that positioned Tallahassee as an innovation leader.
• Fleet Management – Directed the city’s fleet department to national acclaim, improving efficiency and sustainability.
• All‑American City Recognition – Earned the city a prestigious All‑American City award under his leadership.

Political Dynamics

• Commission Split – The city commission is 3‑2.
• Majority (supportive of Goad): Mayor John Dailey, Commissioners Curtis Richardson and Dianne Williams‑Cox.
• Minority (opposed to Goad): Commissioners Jeremy Matlow and Jack Porter, who had long desired his departure.
• Rumors vs Reality – Rumors suggested Goad might step down before the November election to allow a majority appointment. He clarified that a national search should determine his successor and that he provided ample notice for a smooth transition.

Timing of Retirement

Goad’s decision aligns with the fiscal year’s end, providing a natural window for the commission to conduct a thorough national search without rushing. This timing also reflects the exhausting nature of Tallahassee politics, having faced five election cycles with increasing pressures.

Future Plans

• Goad has no concrete post‑retirement plans.
• He intends to pursue personal interests and is unlikely to return as city manager.