County Administration

Michael D. Wanchick, County Administrator

Michael Wanchick has served as County Administrator for St. Johns County, Florida since July 2007. As the County's chief administrative officer, he is responsible for implementing and overseeing all departments, policies, and programs of the Board of County Commissioners.

Arriving in St. Johns County at the beginning of a national recession, Mr. Wanchick was immediately tasked with leading the organization through the worst economic time in its history. Faced with declining property values and a growing demand for services and programs, he increased organizational efficiency through departmental consolidations and redeployments, implemented internal controls and prudent fiscal practices, and executed new policies and procedures. Through these measures, he reduced the County's annual operating budget by more than $166 million, increased services, and successfully directed St. Johns County through this challenging period.

With the County's financial position stabilized, Mr. Wanchick remains focused on providing core services and programs, and offering residents and businesses the highest possible value for their tax dollar. Increasing organizational efficiency and effectiveness and attracting quality economic development to enhance the County's tax base and create high paying jobs also remain priorities. Through an emphasis on efficient business processes and a streamlined organizational structure, he continues to professionalize St. Johns County government and transition the organization from a quiet, coastal community to a more dynamic business-friendly environment and emerging regional leader in Northeast Florida.

Before taking the position as St. Johns County Administrator, Mr. Wanchick worked for nine years as the Assistant City Manager for Development Services in the City of Richardson, Texas. During his career of more than 35 years, other positions in Florida have included Director of Strategic Planning and Growth Management for Broward County; Administrator of the Broward County Planning Council; Planning Program Administrator in Pinellas County; and Planning Analyst in the City of Clearwater. He is a member of the International City/County Management Association, the Florida City/County Management Association, the International Council of Shopping Centers, the Urban Land Institute, and the American Planning Association.

Mr. Wanchick earned a bachelor's degree in political science, a master's degree in urban affairs/public administration, and a master's degree in management from the University of South Florida. With specialized studies in organizational development and change, his education and experience have allowed him to serve as a change agent in many professional positions. In addition to his St. Johns County duties, he is a certified mediator and currently serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Public Administration Department at Flagler College in St. Augustine.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mr. Wanchick lives in St. Augustine Beach, Florida with his wife Leslie and their son Adam.

Contact

County Administrator
500 San Sebastian View
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
P: (904) 209-0530
E: mwanchick@sjcfl.us