Q&A – Candidates for Palm Beach County Administrator – Driven By Braman Motorcars
Each day I feature a listener question sent by one of these methods.
Email: brianmudd@iheartmedia.com
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Today’s Entry: Hi Brian, I would like for you to cover the candidates for Palm Beach County Administrator. It’s a position that holds more importance than most are probably aware of, and it’s the first time in a decade that the county will have a new administrator. Palm Beach County is a much different place today than it was then. Thank you in advance.
Bottom Line: Today is the day that the Palm Beach County Commission will interview candidates and ultimately decide on a new administrator following a public candidate forum last night at the county convention center. This process marked the first search for an administrator in 10 years, as long-time administrator, Verdenia Baker, recently retired. Since June 3rd, Todd Bonlarron has served as the Interim Administrator.
First, in addressing the importance of the position, you’re absolutely right, the Palm Beach County administrator is effectively the CEO of a major enterprise. Here’s an overview of what the administrator does:
- Operations: Oversees nearly 7,100 employees and a budget of around $9 billion and is responsible for the execution of county services such as airports, water and sewer services, fire-rescue, roads, bridges, parks, and libraries.
- Budgeting and Financial Oversight: Is responsible for balancing the county’s budget and maintaining financial stability.
- Policy Implementation: Is responsible for the implementation of the policies established by the Board of County Commissioners.
- Strategic Initiatives: This commonly includes coordination with private and government partners in identifying economic opportunities for the county and oversight of commercial and residential development.
- Department Coordination: The administrator is responsible for coordination between all county departments for the delivery of services to the community.
Palm Beach County is the 24th most populous county in the country – so this position is literally one of the most demanding local government jobs in the country. That brings us to the candidates in question. There were over 200 applicants for the position that pays approximately $450,000 annually. These are the four finalists under consideration:
- Joseph Abruzzo: 44, A Boynton Beach resident who has served as the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for Palm Beach County since 2021 (having served in the Florida senate and house preceding his current post) and is a registered Democrat.
- Keith Clinkscales: 63, The founding Director of Strategic Planning and Performance Management for Palm Beach County. He previously served as a corporate consultant. A Lake Worth resident he’s a registered Democrat.
- Isami Ayala-Collazo: 46, A Lake Worth resident who has served as an assistant county administrator since 2019. She is also a chemical engineer, an attorney, and is a registered NPA voter.
- Patrick Rutter: 57, A Jupiter resident, has served as the county’s deputy administrator since 2023, was an assistant county administrator previously, has served within Palm Beach County’s government for the past 22 years and is a registered Republican.
Private interviews will take place this morning between candidates and commissioners preceding a vote of the county commission.