The Titusville City Council appointed Tom Abbate as the new City Manager in a 4-1 vote on Saturday, July 19, 2025, elevating a veteran city administrator to the top post.

The decision concluded a turbulent, nationwide search that began with over 60 applicants but ultimately left the council with only a single candidate to interview.

According to an official press release from the City of Titusville, the search was conducted by a private recruitment firm.

Councilwoman Sarah Stoeckel detailed the situation in a Facebook post prior to the final vote, explaining that an initial pool of nearly 70 applicants was reduced to just one finalist after a series of withdrawals.

“There is a clear, consistent message felt by many in our community and is a current reality for me as a leader: the current instability and public dysfunction are making it hard to attract strong, experienced professionals,” Stoeckel wrote, urging for more constructive collaboration on the council.

Councilwoman Meghan Moscoso cast the lone dissenting vote, which she clarified was a protest of the process, not the candidate.
“I was the one ‘no’ vote, not out of opposition to Mr. Abbate himself, but because I had hoped we would expand our search,” Moscoso stated in a social media post . “In my view, one candidate doesn’t allow for a true choice. That said, Mr. Abbate was not responsible for that process, and I want to sincerely congratulate him on his appointment.”

Despite the issues with the search, Mayor Andrew Connors and fellow council members praised Abbate’s deep institutional knowledge, longstanding dedication to the city, and the steady leadership he provided as interim city manager.

Before stepping into the interim role, Abbate served for more than 20 years as Assistant City Manager under three previous City Managers. In the city’s official announcement, Abbate shared his commitment to his new role.

“It is both an honor and privilege to have been appointed as City Manager,” Abbate said. “I look forward to working with a very talented and dedicated City staff as we move the City forward carrying out Council’s strategic plan and vision in a manner that values the importance of transparency, open communications and professional excellence in all we do.”

The City of Titusville’s press release stated that it “looks forward to continuing progress and innovation under Abbate’s leadership as it plans for a future grounded in responsible growth, community engagement, and a strong municipal foundation.”

For more official information, residents can visit http://www.titusville.com.