Carl Schwing has been hired as Bonita Spring’s city manager, replacing the outgoing Gary Price, who held the position for a decade.
Cape Coral will be losing not only an assistant city manager but an Economic Development director, too.
It was unclear Wednesday how Cape Coral plans on moving forward with both positions, as city manager Gary King did not return a request for comment.
Bonita Springs City Council made the decision Wednesday.
Bonita Springs Mayor Ben Nelson Jr. said Schwing was one of 130 applicants who vied for the job, and that Schwing was “far and away” the best candidate.
Schwing also beat out three finalists for the job.
“They all had similar levels of experience,” Nelson said of the finalists. “But it comes down to the right fit and he (Schwing) seems to be a bridge builder, someone who is very conscious of relationships … and that’s what I’m all about.”
Schwing was one of several finalists for Cape Coral’s city manager after having filled in on an interim basis following the departure of Terry Stewart.
Five of the seven Bonita Springs council members ranked Schwing as their first choice, while the other two ranked him second, according to Nelson.
Contract negotiations are set to commence, and Nelson thinks the process will work itself out quickly and Schwing could be on the job in the next few weeks.
“We’re really happy with the process; it’s a going to be a good fit,” he added.
Schwing could not be reached for comment.