GREEN COVE SPRINGS – After 48 years of dedicated public service, City Manager Steve Kennedy has announced his plan to retire from Green Cove Springs, effective Nov. 14.

Kennedy has served as City Manager of Green Cove Springs since 2018, leading the city through a period of significant growth and transformation. During his tenure, the city accomplished key milestones that will have a lasting impact, including the redevelopment of Walnut Street, the construction of the Harbor Road Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant, the opening of the Augusta Savage Museum and Mentoring Center and the establishment of the city’s first Community Redevelopment Agency.

These achievements reflect his steadfast commitment to strengthening services, enhancing quality of life and preparing the city for long-term success.

With 48 years of experience in municipal government, Kennedy has dedicated his career to public service. Before coming to the city, he served 22 years with Thomasville, Georgia, one year with Cartersville, Georgia, 13 years as City Manager of Kennesaw, Georgia and three years as the City Manager of Americus, Georgia.

His leadership and vision have left a meaningful legacy in each community he has served.

“Serving this City and working alongside you in service to our community has been a privilege and an honor,” Kennedy said. “Together, we have faced challenges, celebrated successes, and achieved progress that I will always be proud of. 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.”

Mayor Matt Johnson praised Kennedy for his years of service, highlighting the lasting impact of his leadership. “Steve Kennedy has been an exceptional leader for our community,” Johnson said. “Through his dedication, the city has grown into a vibrant and welcoming place where people want to live, work and play. We are deeply grateful for his 48 years of public service, seven of which have been spent in this city, and he has left a lasting legacy that will be felt for generations to come. We wish him the very best in his retirement.”

The city will share updates regarding the hiring of a replacement as soon as decisions are finalized.

For more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with Heather Fincher, Public Information Officer, at (904) 297-7046 or hfincher@greencovesprings.com.