George S. Brown (left) and Mark Sohaney. (File Photos)
Boca Raton officials on Tuesday night approved two city manager contracts – one that formalizes the hiring and salary of the city’s new leader, and another that will allow current City Manager George S. Brown to remain “Manager Emeritus” to continue working on projects during a transition phase. The city council approved both deals unanimously.
Last month, the council voted to hire career naval officer Mark Sohaney as the new city manager after a series of interviews during which he laid out his extensive experience leading expansive infrastructure projects at major military installations, including Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and NAS Key West. In those roles, he regularly liaised with local, state and federal officials to coordinate development, led operations on base, and in a previous role led high-profile defense programs including the integration of the P-8 maritime patrol aircraft. He is replacing George S. Brown, the current city manager who is retiring after serving in leadership positions with the city for years and drawing praise of his own for his leadership style, vast knowledge of government policy and dedication to the city.
Sohaney will officially begin his role as the top official in Boca Raton Sept. 29, coinciding with Brown’s reclassification as “manager emeritus.” Sohaney will earn a base annual salary of $300,000, together with benefits consistent with the city executive benefits plan. The agreement also authorizes relocation reimbursement of up to $6,000. As a condition of his hiring, Sohaney will be required to establish his primary residence either within the city limits or no more than five miles outside them. His contract also calls for a $500 monthly vehicle allowance.
Sohaney will be required to generally be accessible at city hall during regular business hours, attend council and other governmental meetings, and represent the city in other capacities.
Brown, meanwhile, had set his retirement date for Jan. 4, 2026, but will officially move to the “emeritus” classification Sept. 29, 2025, where he will be able to facilitate the transition and remain on staff to complete ongoing projects. The transition period will expire, at the latest, Jan. 4, 2026.
“In this honorary and transitional role, Mr. Brown will serve in an advisory and consultative capacity to the new city manager, city council, and city attorney, as appropriate,” a memorandum from City Attorney Joshua P. Koehler said. “While he will no longer exercise executive authority as city manager, he will remain available to provide institutional knowledge and professional expertise to ensure continuity of operations.”
During the transition period, the city will provide Brown with office space and necessary equipment. He will continue to be paid the same amount as called for in his current employment agreement, $290,000, through his retirement date despite the change in title.
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