Largo City Manager Retires Friday After 42 Years With City

LARGO, FL — After 42 years of service to the Largo community, Henry Schubert, Largo’s city manager, announced his retirement as of June 30.

Schubert started working for the city in 1980 in the planning department and has served in multiple roles, including acting fire chief, city clerk and in the city’s budget office. Before his appointment as city manager in 2016, Schubert served as assistant city manager.

"When you have worked for an organization and community as long as I have, it no longer is just a job. You develop an emotional attachment to what you do," said Schubert.

Under his leadership, the city invested in community landmarks such as Largo Central Park, the Central Park Performing Arts Center, Largo Public Library, Largo Community Center and the Highland Recreation Complex.

As a result of these accomplishments, Schubert was awarded the Florida City and County Management Association Assistant for Excellence in Leadership Award in 2008.

Since becoming city manager, Schubert has effectively led the city staff through a multi-year transition toward becoming a High-Performance Organization, empowering staff to serve the community with superior services through this model.

As a result of Schubert’s commitment to HPO, the city of Largo was named a National Top Workplace in 2021 and 2022.

"On behalf of the city commission, I would like to congratulate our city manager, Henry Schubert, on his forthcoming retirement and extend gratitude for his more than 42 years of consecutive service to the city of Largo. During Mr. Schubert’s impressive tenure with the city, he has witnessed significant transformation and growth in Largo and has directly made our community a better place to live, work and play," said Largo Mayor Woody Brown.

"I couldn't be happier with the amazing progress Largo has seen in the seven years since Mr. Schubert took the role of city manager," said Brown. "His administrative leadership has inspired and empowered our team members at all levels. I am thankful for Mr. Schubert’s commitment to our city. He will be leaving Largo in excellent shape with exciting developments on the horizon. I wish him the best in this next chapter of his life."

Schubert's legacy also includes the vision for an active and interconnected downtown, sparked by the design and construction of Horizon West Bay, Largo’s mixed-use city hall project set to open in late 2024.

"I wish to thank the city commission, our residents and all the members of Team largo for the opportunity to serve as your city manager," said Schubert. "I appreciate everyone’s support and commitment to our vision of building the community of choice in Tampa Bay."

Schubert and his wife Dorothy are looking forward to spending more time traveling, and enjoying fine wine and dining.

The city has contracted with an executive recruitment firm to conduct a nationwide search to identify the most qualified candidates to replace Schubert.

The successful candidate will be appointed by the mayor and city commission.