Sarasota County Planner Named Rockville, Maryland's City Manager

ROCKVILLE, MD — Robert DiSpirito, a Florida resident with three decades of service in local government leadership, will be Rockville’s next city manager, the mayor and council announced Nov. 29.

DiSpirito, who is the interim senior manager of the Sarasota County (Florida) Planning and Development Department, most recently served as the city manager of Dunedin, Florida, for nine years. He previously served as city manager of Oberlin, Ohio, for 11 years.

He will start his job in Rockville on Jan. 3.

“The council and I are excited to announce the hiring of Rob DiSpirito as city manager,” Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton said in a news release. “We are confident that Mr. DiSpirito has the skills and experience to address the opportunities and challenges facing our city, to lead our staff and to serve our community during this important time in Rockville’s history. We look forward to collaborating with Mr. DiSpirito to further Rockville’s reputation as one of America’s leading small cities.”

As Dunedin’s city manager, DiSpirito was responsible for the city’s daily operations, overseeing 400 employees and an $80 million budget. DiSpirito’s accomplishments included creating the city’s Housing & Economic Development Department and guiding Dunedin’s award-winning downtown and redevelopment citywide.

“My wife, Evangelina, our children and I truly look forward to making Rockville our new home,” DiSpirito said in a news release from the city. “This is an amazing and diverse community of strong neighborhoods, beautiful parks, high-performing schools, a lively town center and engaged citizens. As city manager, I look forward to reaching out and hearing what matters to our employees, residents, civic groups, schools, businesses and other partners.”

DiSpirito also served as assistant city manager/human resources director for Delaware, Ohio, and as assistant city manager/director of planning and development for Meadville, Pennsylvania. He began his career working for the council and manager of Dallas, Texas. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s degree in public administration and journalism from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania.

The selection of DiSpirito was made from three finalists after a national search conducted by The Novak Consulting Group. Craig L. Simoneau has served as Rockville’s acting city manager since February. He succeeded Barbara B. Matthews.

“We thank Craig Simoneau for his service to the Rockville community during this transition,” Newton said. “His leadership as acting city manager and as director of public works demonstrates the kind of commitment that truly exemplifies what Rockville is all about.”

The City of Rockville operates under a council-management form of government. The city manager is responsible to the Mayor and the Council for the day-to-day management of city operations. Under provisions of the city charter and code, the city manager prepares a budget for the Mayor and Council’s approval; recruits, hires, and supervises staff; serves as the Mayor and Council’s chief administrative officer; implements Mayor and Council policies; and provides professional recommendations.

To learn more about the Rockville city manager’s role, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/citymanager.

Photo of incoming Rockville City Manager Robert DiSpirito courtesy of the city of Rockville

By Patch editor Deb Belt