Bill Killingsworth, an experienced administrator who has served in the public sector for more than 30 years, has taken the helm of Atlantic Beach city manager. He began Sept. 26.
Killingsworth served as the City of Jacksonville’s planning and development director for more than 10 years; his career with the City of Jacksonville spanned 30 years. He also served as the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s community development director.
Killingsworth replaced Joe Gerrity, a former Atlantic Beach city manager who served as interim city manager since March 2023.
Killingsworth has a degree in real estate and urban analysis from the University of Florida. With the City of Jacksonville, he led a department with a $27 million budget and over 200 staff members, and coordinated department activities and policies with other city, state and federal agencies. He coordinated with the Mayor’s Office, Jacksonville Planning Commission and the City Council’s Land Use and Zoning Committee in their review and action taken on all comprehensive plan, zoning and other planning-related ordinance modifications.
During his nearly three-year tenure with the State of Florida, Killingsworth administered numerous federal and state awards through community block grants and other programs, and he coordinated activities and policies with other state and federal agencies, local governments, nonprofits and citizens.
Appointed by the City Commission, the Atlantic Beach city manager is responsible for planning, directing, managing and reviewing the City’s day-to-day activities and operations. He administers the City’s $58 million budget and has direct supervision over management, supervisor, professional, technical and administrative budget. The City has about 130 full-time employees and about 40 part-time and seasonal employees.
The city manager also aids the Mayor and City Commission regarding policy decisions and their implementation, creating ordinances which determine the City’s laws, and establishing the City’s operating budget.
Killingsworth is married and has one child. To reach him, email billk@coab.us or call (904) 247-5817.