ORANGE PARK — While interim town manager William Whitson was given a formal goodbye in what would be his final meeting on Tuesday, August 5, council members were still left unsure of who his replacement would be. 

Whitson was hired last year following the resignation of former town manager Sarah Campbell, who left the position to take on the role as city manager of Fernandina Beach. 

Although the council initially selected Greg Becker for the role on July 15, that vote was receded following raised questions about his qualifications for the position. Particularly an unaccredited degree he earned back in the 1990's from La Salle University.

Becker has been the Disaster Recovery Division Manager for Nassau County since 2024. Prior to that, he was the Emergency Management Program Manager for Polk County for almost six years and the Emergency Management Coordinator for Pinellas County for three years. Becker had no previous background in town management.

Despite council concerns regarding his educational background, many residents continued to back Becker as the right person for the job. 

"The experience that somebody gets through life and through the jobs that they have held to me is far more important than a piece of paper hanging on the wall," said one resident. 

After lengthy discussion, council members voted 5-0 to remove Becker from any further consideration for the position. Becker was adamant of his transparency with the town.

"I have been forthcoming and transparent from the start," Becker said. "I understand the appearance. And I sympathize with your position, but from mine, I've disclosed this from the beginning."

Councilman Glenn Taylor said he didn't have confidence that Becker could get the job done. 

With Whitson scoping another opportunity in Texas, the council decided to end his contract on Aug. 15.

Council members voted the town's finance director, John Villanueva, to serve as the acting Town Manager beginning Aug. 15 and ending on Oct. 13 of this year. 

In the meantime, the town will evaluate seven candidates for the permanent position: Joseph Taylor, Adam Kline, Sam Metott, Kyle Croce, Michael Brillhart, Blake Oborne and Dana Schoenig. 

All seven candidates have master's degrees and relevant experience, however did not make the original interview list. After reviewing their resumes, pre-interviews will be conducted via Zoom before inviting the finalists to Orange Park. 

The council said they saw this approach as a way to save money and time, while finding the "best of the best."