Green Cove Springs City Manager Steve Kennedy announced that he will retire in November.
Published on October 1, 2025 at 3:19 pm
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Green Cove Springs City Manager Steve Kennedy will retire Nov. 14, the second top leader to leave within a few months.
Kennedy’s retirement announcement comes just over three months after the city’s mayor resigned due to work-related obligations, city officials said.
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Kennedy has served as city manager since 2018, completing projects like the construction of the Harbor Road Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plan and redevelopment of Walnut Street.
In a news release, Kennedy said serving the community has been an honor.
“Together, we have faced challenges, celebrated successes, and achieved progress that I will always be proud of,” he said. “As I look ahead to the next chapter, one that includes more time with my family and plenty of rounds of golf, I’m excited to embrace the ‘Cove Life’ as a resident and look forward to watching our city continue to grow and thrive.”
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Mayor Matt Johnson called Kennedy an exceptional leader.
“Through his dedication, the city has grown into a vibrant and welcoming place where people want to live, work, and play,” Johnson said in the release.
As the chief administrative officer for Green Cove Springs, the city manager is responsible for the administration of all municipal affairs and departments.
Kennedy is a graduate of Valdosta State University in Georgia. He has 38 years of municipal service, including 13 years as city manager of Kennesaw, Georgia, and three more in the same position in Americus, Georgia.
Before the city manager
Johnson was chosen in mid-June to replace former Mayor and City Council member Thomas Smith.
Smith resigned suddenly, saying his work obligations made it impossible for him to continue in public office.
A special election to fill Smith’s vacant council seat was scheduled, but Cheri Starnes was the only candidate to file and was sworn in a month ago to replace Smith on City Council.
City officials say they will share updates on hiring Kennedy’s replacement as soon as decisions are completed.
