- October 5, 2026
Flagler County commissioners have narrowed their search for a new county administrator to one candidate, but they want more time with him before making a final decision.
The County Commission reached a consensus Sept. 4 to continue the interview process with Aaron Van Kleeck, Volusia County’s emergency services director, after commissioners were unable to reach the level of support they wanted to immediately offer him the job.
Van Kleeck emerged from three finalists interviewed by commissioners. The board had previously advanced Van Kleeck, Tracy Miller, Richard Reade and Shawn Boatright from a field of six candidates interviewed Aug. 10. Boatright later accepted another position and withdrew from the process, leaving three finalists.
Commissioners interviewed the three remaining candidates individually and heard presentations on their onboarding plans and leadership approaches before meeting Sept. 4 to deliberate.
Commissioner Andy Dance and Commissioner Greg Hansen favored Van Kleeck, while Commissioner Kim Carney initially preferred Miller. Commissioner Pam Richardson said she was not ready to choose any of the three, and Commission Chair Leann Pennington said she was open to further consideration of Van Kleeck but is also open to continuing the search.
Dance said Van Kleeck's energy, confidence and record in Volusia County stood out.
“If I was to move anything, I would like to discuss Mr. Van Kleeck as the administrator,” Dance said.
Van Kleeck has more than 20 years of experience with Volusia County and currently oversees more than 500 employees and an operating budget exceeding $100 million as emergency services director. He has also worked in management and budget positions for Volusia County.
Hansen also backed Van Kleeck, saying his leadership abilities made him the right candidate to guide the county through the potential financial challenges associated with Amendment 3.
“I think he'll be able to handle what's coming,” Hansen said. “His leadership style lends itself to getting through this with the staff intact.”
Carney, however, initially selected Miller, saying she was looking for an “agent for change.”
"Unless I get more time with Mr. Van Kleeck, I'm not going to be in consensus on this. I'm sorry, guys" Carney said.
Richardson said all three finalists had strengths and weaknesses but initially did not believe any of them fully met the county's needs.
“I'd rather hold on to what we have now than make an error and have to suffer the consequences later,” Richardson said.
Pennington expressed similar reservations. She said she was interested in Van Kleeck's rise through Volusia County government but wanted additional time to examine his experience and address concerns raised during the reference-checking process.
“This is a big decision for our group and I want to get it right,” Pennington said. “That's not that we're indecisive, it's that we're really trying to get this right and make sure that they're a really good fit for this organization.”
Hansen ultimately made a motion to select Van Kleeck as the next county administrator, but Dance declined to second it. Dance said Van Kleeck's success would depend on having the support of the commission and that the board should instead continue working toward a stronger consensus.
“If we're going to move, let's go on consensus to continue the process with Aaron,” Dance said. “His success depends on a supportive board.”
Hansen withdrew his motion, and all five commissioners agreed to continue interviewing Van Kleeck.
The next round is expected to include additional individual time between Van Kleeck and each commissioner as well as another public interview. Dance said he would like the county to make a greater effort to have constitutional officers and members of the public participate in the next session.
The county attorney told commissioners they may individually meet with Van Kleeck and could also hold another public session with the full board before scheduling a special meeting to make a final selection.
