The Boca Raton City Council announced Tuesday that Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Jim Zervis will serve as the city’s interim city manager. Zervis will assume day‑to‑day responsibility for municipal operations following the resignation of former City Manager Mark Sohaney earlier this month.

Experience and Local Roots

Zervis has been part of Boca Raton’s city government since 2024, working closely with the mayor’s office, the finance department, and various municipal divisions. Prior to joining Boca Raton, he served as the chief administrative officer for Kern County, California, based in Bakersfield, where he oversaw a large regional bureaucracy and managed multi‑million‑dollar budgets.

Transition Plan

During the transition, Zervis will continue to fulfill his duties as Deputy City Manager and CFO while also overseeing the broader functions typically handled by the city manager’s office. The council expects a smooth handover, noting that Zervis’s familiarity with both the city’s financial health and its operational priorities positions him well to maintain continuity.

Council Statement

Mayor John Smith praised Zervis’s appointment, stating, “Jim’s deep knowledge of our city’s finances and his proven leadership in public administration make him the right choice to guide Boca Raton through this interim period.” Councilmember Maria Gonzalez added, “We appreciate Jim’s willingness to step up and ensure that essential services continue without interruption.”

About the Resignation

Mark Sohaney stepped down after a brief tenure, citing personal reasons. The council expressed gratitude for his service and wishes him well in future endeavors.

What Comes Next

The council will begin a national search for a permanent city manager later this year. In the meantime, Zervis will lead ongoing projects, including the city’s upcoming budget cycle, infrastructure improvements, and community outreach initiatives.

Residents can expect the usual municipal services to continue uninterrupted. For updates on city meetings, budget hearings, and other local matters, Boca Raton citizens are encouraged to visit the city’s official website or follow the city’s social media channels.

Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.