Maitland City Talk

The city of Maitland will see the changing of the guard in two key city staff operational areas this month.

W. Brian Jones

After 25 years on the job, W. Brian Jones, assistant city manager, will be retiring. Brian is a native of East Orange, N.J., and was educated at Lamar University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration, followed by a master’s degree in finance from Rollins College.

He began his professional career with Gulf Oil in Houston, Texas, as a credit representative working his way up to director of customer service for the Florida region. Seeing an opportunity to make a difference, he accepted a job offer from the city of Maitland in 1987.

“Watching long-term plans fall into place and casual interaction with residents,” is what has motivated him throughout his tenure at Maitland, he said. Success is measured by helping others become successful and being able to look in the mirror and say, “I did the right thing.” He has said that he wants most to be remembered as someone who recognized the right thing to do and did it.

Brian and his wife, Cindy, are proud parents and grandparents with two daughters, three granddaughters and one grandson.

Ken Neuhard

The chief of the Maitland Fire Rescue Department, Ken Neuhard, is also retiring this month after also serving the city since 1987.

Ken has called Central Florida his home since 1980 after he completed a tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force. Chief Neuhard received an associate of science degree in emergency medical technology from Valencia Community College in 1995, and in 1999, he completed his bachelor's degree in business administration from Columbia College.

Mr. Neuhard started his firefighting career as a volunteer in 1987 with the city of Maitland and shortly thereafter was hired to fill a full-time position. Working his way through the ranks he was promoted to fire lieutenant in 1989 followed by a promotion to assistant chief of operations in 1994. Ken was selected to fill the top position of fire chief for the city of Maitland in 2004.

His achievements in Maitland since becoming fire chief include the development of strategic planning, attainment of international fire service accreditation for the organization, advancement of performance measurement within the department and expansion of citywide disaster preparedness efforts in his role as city disaster manager. He is a member of the International, State and Central Florida Fire Chiefs Associations.

Ken and his wife, Stephanie, have one daughter, Catherine, and are very proud grandparents to one energetic young man and their lovely “little girl.”

Sharon Anselmo

These two professionals will be missed and have set a standard that will be hard to follow. Two skilled staff members will be stepping up to fill the ranks as Brian and Ken leave their posts.

Being promoted to the position of assistant city manager is Sharon Anselmo. Formerly the director of management services, Sharon is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and has been recognized nationally for her work in budget preparation and communication through the years.

During her tenure with the city, Sharon has worked closely with the city manager and all city department heads in the preparation of annual operating budgets, capital improvement budgets and has directly been responsible for all aspects of city financial operations.

Kimberly Neisler

Stepping up to the position of fire chief will be Assistant Chief of Operations Kimberly Neisler, who has been with the Maitland Fire Rescue Department since 1982. Moving through the ranks from firefighter/paramedic to shift lieutenant and battalion chief, Kimberly has managed all phases of fire department operations including emergency and non-emergency responses; staffing and budgeting; field operation training; and the department's EMS/Paramedic program. Serving as an adjunct instructor for Valencia State College, Kimberly has mentored the department's firefighters as they made their way through the state's paramedic curriculum. Chief Neisler has also served as the department's liaison to the Central Florida Fire Chief's operations group (OPS) and has overseen the department's role with the Orange County EMS Advisory Council. In addition to her Fire Rescue responsibilities, Kimberly is a licensed registered nurse.

Our greatest asset

The city’s greatest asset is its staff, and this transition as two seasoned staff members are replaced by two staff professionals is a testament to the quality of employees who work to make the city of Maitland a great hometown. The Council and the entire staff wish Assistant City Manager Jones and Chief Neuhard much success in the future and look forward to working with new Assistant City Manager Anselmo and Chief Neisler.

City Council agenda of Oct. 8

City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 8 in the Council Chambers, 1776 Independence Lane. Below is the agenda for that meeting.

Special Presentation

Retirement Resolution – Fire Chief Kenneth Neuhard

GO Bond Rating

Overview – Independence Lane Concept

Consent Agenda

Transfer to Space Needs Fund

City Hall Change Order Summary CH2012-9

Decision Items:

Appointment – Board of Zoning Adjustment

Accept Final Report – Charter Review Commission

Use of Funding for Federal Lobbyist

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