IDA maps plan for finding new leader

LAKEWOOD RANCH — The search for Town Hall’s new executive director has begun.

With the official resignation of Executive Director Eva Rey in hand Aug. 18, members of the Lakewood Ranch Inter-District Authority Board spelled out their plan for finding her replacement. 

In the first step, Rey worked jointly with River Club resident Ron Hamilton, of Practical Human Resources Solutions, to develop a “success” profile that outlines a list of skills, knowledge and abilities the position requires. The next step is to begin the recruitment process.

Rey will lend her expertise in government to the recruiting, helping ensure top candidates are familiar with community development districts, Sunshine laws and other nuances of the position. 

Hamilton will conduct some recruiting as well, but will play a larger role in screening resumes, identifying top candidates and starting the interview process with Rey.

“When Eva departs, I’d continue that process and take you to the finish line and help you with the final selection,” Hamilton said, adding he’d assist with ideas for compensation, reference checks and other duties. “If we have to start over, I’d start the recruitment process.”

Rey posted the position Aug. 20 and hopes to have resumes back for review within about three weeks, depending on the quality of the candidates.

Following Rey’s suggestion, IDA members opted to have Rey and Hamilton lead the search process, instead of hiring a head hunter as the board did in the past. Colin Baenziger, of Colin Baenziger & Associates, whose services the IDA used four years ago to find Rey after the departure of Executive Director Bob Fernandez.

“You know the people,” IDA member and CDD 4 Supervisor Nancy Johnson told Rey. “We need someone who knows government. That was a huge piece you brought to the board and was a huge plus for the organization. I would trust the names you would bring forward.” 

Hamilton’s services will cost $150 an hour, with estimated total billing of about $12,000. A not-to-exceed amount is set for $15,000.

IDA supervisors hope the new hiring strategy will be successful and secure the right person for the job more quickly.

“We won’t find anybody who’s exactly a clone of you," IDA Chairman Tom Green told Rey, "But we want to get as close as possible."

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].