Amid reports of a news leak which prematurely publicized the names of four finalists for Savannah City Manager — three of whom immediately dropped out of the running — Mayor Eddie DeLoach today announced that current Broward County, Florida, Deputy County Administrator Roberto “Rob” Hernandez will occupy Savannah’s top appointed office.

City Council still must formally vote on the new hire. 

The 23-year U.S. Army and Reserves veteran previously served as Deputy City Manager for the City of Coral Springs. Prior to that, he served as Deputy County Manager for Fulton County, Ga., where he oversaw public safety agencies, unincorporated area services, the Office of the Child Attorney, offender reentry program, and coordinated with the County’s constitutional and judicial agencies. 

Current Savannah City Manager Stephanie Cutter earlier this year announced she would retire as soon as a new manager was named in the wake of the city elections and a change in the mayor’s office. However she is set to stay on as consultant at her current salary at least through the end of 2016. 

This article appears in Aug 10-16, 2016.