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Boca Raton Inks Contracts to Hire New City Manager, Declare Brown ‘Manager Emeritus’ for Transition

Boca Vibe

By Boca Vibe

September 22, 2025

Boca Raton Inks Contracts to Hire New City Manager, Declare Brown ‘Manager Emeritus’ for Transition

Boca Raton Inks Contracts to Hire New City Manager, Declare Brown ‘Manager Emeritus’ for Transition

Boca Raton officials on Tuesday night approved two city manager contracts – one that formalizes the hiring and salary of the city’s new leader, and another that will allow current City Manager George S. Brown to remain “Manager Emeritus” to continue working on projects during a transition phase. The city council approved both deals unanimously, marking the end of an era for Brown and the beginning of a new chapter for the city under the leadership of newly appointed City Manager, Katherine “Kat” Miller.

A Smooth Transition: Brown’s Continued Role as Manager Emeritus

The unanimous approval of the contract designating George S. Brown as “Manager Emeritus” ensures a seamless transition of power. This role, specifically crafted for Brown, will see him remain actively involved in several key ongoing projects, leveraging his decades of experience and deep understanding of Boca Raton’s intricate inner workings. The council cited Brown’s invaluable institutional knowledge as the primary reason for creating this position. His expertise will be particularly beneficial in overseeing the completion of the planned expansion of the Boca Raton Innovation Campus, a project he has championed for years and which is expected to significantly boost the city’s economic development and attract high-tech businesses to the area, potentially rivaling similar initiatives in Palm Beach County’s other municipalities.

“Mr. Brown’s dedication to Boca Raton is unparalleled,” stated Councilwoman Andrea O’Rourke. “This arrangement allows us to tap into his wealth of experience while simultaneously welcoming our new city manager. It’s a win-win for the city.”

Brown’s contract as Manager Emeritus is for a period of six months, with a monthly stipend of $15,000. His responsibilities will primarily focus on:

  • Overseeing the completion of the Boca Raton Innovation Campus expansion.
  • Advising Ms. Miller on significant ongoing infrastructure projects.
  • Facilitating a comprehensive handover of critical city operations and personnel.
  • Assisting in the successful integration of Ms. Miller into the city’s administrative structure.

Miller’s Arrival: A New Vision for Boca Raton

Katherine “Kat” Miller, selected after an extensive nationwide search, brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as city manager of a similarly sized municipality in northern Florida. Her resume is impressive, showcasing a proven track record in fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and innovative urban planning. The city council highlighted her commitment to sustainability initiatives, her strong communication skills, and her demonstrated ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders as key factors in their decision. Miller holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and has spent several years involved in various community outreach programs across the Palm Beach County region.

Her contract outlines a starting annual salary of $300,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package. Among her priorities, Miller has emphasized a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Boca Raton residents, focusing on:

  • Improving traffic flow and addressing congestion issues, especially around peak times in and out of Mizner Park.
  • Strengthening community partnerships with local businesses and organizations, including the arts community.
  • Investing in sustainable infrastructure and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
  • Expanding access to affordable housing while preserving Boca Raton’s unique character and charm.

“I am deeply honored and excited to serve as Boca Raton’s next city manager,” Miller stated in a press release. “I look forward to collaborating with the council, the city staff, and the community to build upon Boca Raton’s already strong foundation and create an even brighter future for this vibrant city.”

The Council’s Rationale: A Strategic Decision

The unanimous approval of both contracts reflects the council’s strategic vision for a smooth and efficient transition. They emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity during this period of change while simultaneously embracing new leadership and innovative approaches to city management. The council members cited numerous private and public meetings with both Brown and Miller, along with the input of numerous city staff and community members, as contributing factors to their confidence in the approved contracts.

Council President Scott Singer stated, “This is a momentous occasion for Boca Raton. We are immensely grateful for George Brown’s years of dedicated service, and we are equally confident that Kat Miller will lead our city to new heights. This dual-appointment strategy ensures a seamless transition, minimizing disruption and maximizing efficiency.”

Public Reaction and Community Engagement

The announcement was met with largely positive responses from the community. Many residents expressed appreciation for Brown’s long tenure and welcomed Miller’s arrival with optimism. Several community forums are planned in the coming weeks to provide residents with an opportunity to meet Miller and share their concerns and suggestions for the future of Boca Raton. The city has also launched a new website dedicated to the transition process, providing regular updates and opportunities for community engagement.

The transition period will undoubtedly involve challenges, but with the collaborative approach outlined by the council, and with the combined expertise of Brown and Miller, Boca Raton appears well-positioned to navigate this change successfully and continue to thrive as one of Florida’s most desirable and prosperous communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What will be George Brown’s specific responsibilities as Manager Emeritus?
As Manager Emeritus, George Brown will primarily focus on overseeing the completion of the Boca Raton Innovation Campus expansion, advising Katherine Miller on significant ongoing infrastructure projects, facilitating a comprehensive handover of critical city operations and personnel, and assisting in the successful integration of Ms. Miller into the city’s administrative structure.
What are Katherine Miller’s key priorities as the new city manager?
Katherine Miller has prioritized improving traffic flow and addressing congestion issues, strengthening community partnerships with local businesses and organizations, investing in sustainable infrastructure and promoting environmentally friendly practices, and expanding access to affordable housing while preserving Boca Raton’s unique character and charm.
How long will the transition period last, and how will the city ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities?
The transition period, during which George Brown will serve as Manager Emeritus, will last for six months. The city is ensuring a smooth handover through a detailed plan involving regular meetings, comprehensive documentation, and the direct collaboration between Mr. Brown and Ms. Miller on ongoing projects and personnel transitions.

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