McNees to start as city manager of Melbourne

After three-and-a half years away from city administration, former Sarasota City Manager Mike McNees is getting back into the ring.

McNees was city manager in Sarasota from 2001 to 2007, and after resigning he filled a post as County Administrator of Blaine County, Idaho. McNees, who ran track for Indiana University, left public administration in 2008 for USA Track & Field, where he served as chief operating officer and later as interim chief executive officer.

McNees starts a new job on Florida’s east coast as Melbourne’s city manager Feb. 4.

“For all the craziness of it, there is a lot to be said for it,” McNees said about the tough job of running a city.
While working for USA Track & Field, McNees traveled a lot.

“I saw a lot of places I wouldn’t have seen,” McNees said. “But I’m not connected to the community I live in at all. I’m getting back into public administration to be part of a community again.”

With a population of 70,000, Melbourne has a strong aeronautical and aviation industry—in addition to tourism.

The city has a workforce of about 1,000, compared to Sarasota’s city workforce of about 540.

McNees will be moving from Indianapolis with his wife Hazel. The newlyweds married last March.