- April 6, 2026
Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito’s last day in the position is April 10, with Growth Management Director Adam Mengel stepping in as interim county administrator effective April 11.
The Flagler County Commission approved Mengel as the interim administrator at its April 6 meeting. Petito was originally planned to step down in July, once a tentative budget for the 2026-2207 fiscal year had been finalized.
Commissioner Greg Hansen said it was “criminal” the county was letting Petito go.
“I've sat through three county administrators, and Miss Petito is by far the best and that I've served with," Hansen said. "She has a lot to do with success in this county."
Petito has served as the county administrator for five years, but on March 3 submitted a separation agreement with the Flagler County Commission. In recent months, she has been at odds with several members of the board, and survived a firing attempt by Commissioner Kim Carney in January.
Originally, Petito offered to stay on until mid-July, when a tentative 2026-2027 fiscal year budget was completed.
Commissioners Andy Dance, Leann Pennington and Kim Carney also thanked Petito for her work with the county, with Commissioner Pam Richardson being the only one to stay silent.
"You walked into a mess and you've left it a lot better than what you came into. So we appreciate it," Pennington said to Petito. "Thank you."
Mengel, per the contract with Flagler County, will hold the interim position until the county finds a replacement administrator. Growth Management Deputy Director Chuck Merenda will fill in while Mengel is in his new role.
Petito said that Mengel's appointment would provide needed clarity for the county government staff.
"I know that Adam will bring a steadiness and integrity to the role during the transition period," she said.
Once a new administrator has been appointed, Mengel will return to his position as Growth Management director.
His contract outlines a temporary interim administrator salary of $194,602 and is set to expire on Sept. 30, unless a new administrator is found sooner. Likewise, if the county needs more time, the contract will be automatically extended until the new administrator begins, according to the contract.
During the following workshop meeting in the afternoon on April 6, the Commission went over the requirements they would like to see in the job listing. Flagler County's Human Resources department is working with the Florida Association of County Managers to streamline the process.
The job listing will require 15 years of executive leadership, with at least five years of that at a local government. A bachelor's degree will be required, with a master's degree preferred, preferably in public administration or a closely related field.
The position will have a listed salary range of $195,000 to $235,000. While Commissioner Kim Carney initially suggested a lower starting range, Commission Chair Leann Pennington said the demands of the county administrator position makes it a $200,000 position.
She said she's seen similar position in the corporate field go for between $230,000 and $260,000.
"To get a good person in this seat — to take on a 24/7, pick up the phone, go in front of the public, crisis management, don't go home for dinner job," she said. "It is a $200,000-plus figure job."
With the criteria for the listing ironed out, HR Director Charlie Picano will send the requirements to the Florida Association of County Managers to provide feedback before it is posted.
At the end of the April 6 meeting, Petito thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve in the position for so long, and said it was an honor to work alongside the county's staff.
"I also want to share my sincere gratitude to our staff throughout this period," Petito said. "You guys have continued to serve the community with professionalism, resilience and heart, and your support and dedication have meant a great deal to me."
