Longtime Satellite Beach City Manager Courtney Barker announced Wednesday she is stepping down early next month for a job in the private sector.
Barker has run the city’s daily operations since 2013. She made the formal announcement at Wednesday’s city council meeting, calling the job for a local residential developer a “huge opportunity.”
“It’s a big financial impact to me, myself, and my family, and it’s just not something I could say no to,” she told council members. “I am definitely going to miss you. I’m going to really miss my staff. We built one of the best teams I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.”
Before taking over as city manager, Barker served as the planning and growth management director for the city of Titusville for nine years, according to her LinkedIn profile. Her last day with Satellite Beach will be Aug. 2, she said.
Council members elected Assistant City Manager Brittany Retherford to serve as interim city manager while they search for Barker’s replacement. They unanimously praised Barker’s work ethic and track record at the meeting, wishing her well in her new job.
“You’ve been great to the city. Thank you for your service, for all you’ve done. Thank you for your time and your counsel. I would say thanks for the late night calls, but I know they were necessary and I appreciate them,” Mayor Steve Osmer said.
“We’ve very proud of you, happy for you. You’re leaving us in good hands,” Councilmember Mindy Gibson said.
Among the recent accomplishments under her management, Barker cited the city’s efforts in stormwater management and lagoon restoration efforts, sustainability and climate change planning.
Barker was a frequent target of criticism from local activists throughout her tenure, who often accused her and councilmembers of ignoring laws and siding with developers over residents in the tiny beachside city. The news of her pending resignation was met with sporadic applause and scorn from a handful of speakers Wednesday.
While she didn’t directly address her critics, Barker in her announcement urged residents to be skeptical of claims they read on social media.
“I just want to remind the community that when you’re going through an election, and you’re seeing these things going through social media, pick up the phone and ask, not me, but one of the council members or the assistant city manager, because nine times out of 10, it’s not true. I would say a 99.99999% chance it’s not true,” she said.
“I try not to think it’s intentionally done, but at some point you’ve got to suspect it, especially during times like this,” she added.
Barker declined to name the company that hired her, citing concerns about potential harassment.
Council members have until February to select Barker’s permanent replacement under the city charter. They briefly mulled Wednesday whether to hire a search firm, which Barker said would cost the city up to $40,000, or conduct an independent search.
Eric Rogers is a watchdog reporter for FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Rogers at 321-242-3717 or esrogers@floridatoday.com.