Dave Rivera became Coconut Creek’s new City Manager as of June 22, 2008. He was appointed by the 5-member City Commission during a Commission meeting held on June 12, 2008. Rivera served as Deputy City Manager of Coconut Creek for 12 years and replaces John Kelly who served as City Manager for 14 years. Kelly’s resignation date was June 21, 2008.

“Dave has been an excellent Deputy City Manager and I believe that he deserves this position. I look forward to working with him for the continued betterment of our City,” stated Becky Tooley, Mayor, Coconut Creek.

Rivera came to the City of Coconut Creek in April 1994 as the City's Financial Operations Manager and was named Deputy City Manager in October 1996. As the Deputy City Manager, he was involved with planning the City’s new MainStreet Project, negotiated City contracts, led the City’s hurricane preparedness team, assisted with parks development and prepared numerous grants for submission. Prior to joining the city, Rivera was the Finance Director and Interim Administrator for Okeechobee County, Florida.

Rivera is a graduate of the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia, attended the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard (program in Driving Government Performance), and is certified as a Florida State Sterling Examiner. He holds certifications in Government Finance, Public Management, Risk Management, Supervisory Management, Human Resources Management, Facilitation, Law Enforcement Mediation and Internal Professional Consulting.

“The City has many challenges ahead. They range from managing the financial impact of the tax changes and the current economic conditions to maintaining the City’s image as a Green City,” stated Rivera. “I am confident that we are prepared to face those challenges in addition to continuing in our environmental stewardship for which we are known as progressive leaders.”

Mary Blasi is the new Deputy City Manager. She joined the City in June of 1996 as the the Director of Finance and Administrative Services and was named Assistant City Manager in August of 2002.