- December 4, 2025
Brian Roche has been named Palm Coast's new utility director. Courtesy photo
John Zobler is Palm Coast's new community development director. Courtesy photo
Palm Coast has filled two key leadership positions, the city announced in a July 31 press release.
Brian Roche has been appointed as utility director, and John Zobler has been named community development director. Both began their new positions on Monday, July 28.
Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston and Interim Assistant City Manager Mark Strobridge played a pivotal role in recruiting for the two positions, the press release said.
Roche has more than three decades of utility and engineering experience, including high-level leadership roles with major utilities such as JEA, Orlando Utilities Commission and Fairfax Water. Most recently, Roche served as water resource director for North Florida Professional Services, where he provided system planning, engineering and finance support for the formation of a regional utility authority in Columbia and Suwannee counties.
Roche has led multi-billion-dollar capital and operating budgets, directed major infrastructure systems serving hundreds of thousands of utility customers, and developed long-term finance and resource planning strategies. His blend of operational and engineering expertise will support Palm Coast Utilities in meeting the demands of a growing community.
Zobler has a distinguished background in local government, having served as city manager and deputy city manager for the city of Ocala, from 2010 to 2019. During his tenure, he spearheaded initiatives that transformed Ocala’s downtown core, including the development of Central Park, a walking sculpture tour, and the launch of a business incubator in a city-owned building.
Zobler was instrumental in attracting large-scale employers through public-private partnerships and implemented significant improvements to the city’s development review process. His leadership earned him the title of 2019 Person of the Year by Ocala Magazine. Zobler is known for his forward-thinking strategies and ability to balance community growth with long-term sustainability.
“These two individuals bring a wealth of experience and a passion for public service that will benefit every Palm Coast resident,” Strobridge said in the press release. “We’re excited to welcome Brian and John to the team and look forward to their contributions in shaping the future of our city.”
