Boca Raton Appoints New City Attorney From Within

Boca Raton city hall, Boca Raton, FL, Sept. 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

Boca Raton officials have completed the process of hiring a new city attorney, and the successful candidate is a familiar figure at city hall.

Assistant City Attorney Joshua Koehler is the city council’s unanimous pick to lead the legal office, replacing Diana Grub Frieser, who the council did not wish to retain after a long tenure. Frieser’s appointment ends Oct. 31, 2024.

Koehler was chosen for the appointment following a three hour-long special meeting of the city council last week during which interviews were conducted in public. Ultimately, Koehler emerged as the strongest candidate by the time the governing body was ready to take a vote.

“It’s not just because he’s been here the longest, but because he’s articulated … a different approach,” said Mayor Scott Singer. “It’s not just business as usual. We’ve had successes, but there is always an opportunity to build upon them. I thought he showed some unique ideas on greater communications among staff with counsel, greater collaboration, and I think that will serve us well.”

Koehler was also the favored candidate on the part of the city administrator, and drew praise from elected officials for a thorough understanding of the advisory role an attorney plays in city government. He is currently serving under the title of acting city attorney – or City Attorney-Designate – until a final contract is negotiated and executed by the mayor.

Koehler’s salary is expected to be in the area of $285,000, officials have said. Frieser, in her last year with the city, earned $327,591 in the same post. An advantage of the appointment is Koehler’s institutional knowledge of the inner workings of the city, having served as an assistant attorney for 13 years. He has effectively been serving as the city’s top visible counselor since mid-summer, when Frieser stopped attending meetings after the council – for reasons that have not been fully disclosed – indicated they would not support her continuance in the role.

“It’s no doubt that he’s succeeded in high roles at an early stage, and I think he will continue to do well,” said Singer.

All of the remaining members of the council likewise congratulated Koehler on the appointment.

“I know you’re going to do a great job,” Councilwoman Fran Nachlas said.

Koehler, for his part, thanked the council in public for their support.

“I am honored and deeply grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me as the city attorney as we’re going into the centennial, the hundredth year of this city,” he said. “I’m committed to serving the city with integrity and dedication, and I thank you for this incredible opportunity.”