Office of the City Manager

City Manager Lance Johnson

Destin's Parks & Recreation Director Lance Johnson was named City Manager by the Destin City Council on Dec 17, 2018 replacing outgoing City Manager Carisse LeJeune.  Johnson has worked for the city for 15 years and is a recent graduate from the Florida State University Center for Public Management Program where he earned his Certified Public Manager (CPM) certification. The CPM program is a nationally-recognized, comprehensive training and development program for public sector managers at all levels of state and local government.

Responsibilities & Service

The City Manager's Office is charged to independently run the daily general operations of the city in accordance with local ordinances, laws and policies prescribed by the city council.

The city manager plans and executes the council’s vision, set forth each year during a strategic visioning workshop. This vision can be seen here, which also includes short- and long-term goals and priority projects.

Further, and more specifically, the city manager:

  • Directly manages and supervises the administration of all departments, offices and agencies of the city government.
  • Monitors performance of all city franchisees, including water/sewer and electric utilities, and contracts including the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, garbage/waste disposal and other governmental agencies that provide services to the citizens of Destin.
  • Directs the city’s Emergency Management Program.
  • Keeps the council apprised of the city’s finances, public affairs, development, infrastructure and all other city-related matters.
  • Hires, trains, disciplines and appropriately rewards city employees in accordance with applicable laws, ordinances, the city charter and established personnel policies and procedures.
  • Monitors all reports and recommendations from council-appointed citizen committees and organizes responses by city staff or prepares recommendations to the council, as appropriate.
  • Annually prepares and submits a balanced budget to the city council, including capital projects.
  • Resolves citizen complaints, disputes and problems of service delivery.
  • Works with local media to communicate city policies and programs.
  • Participates in appropriate local community organizations and activities.
  • Promotes a positive image of the city government throughout the community.