Samantha D. Abell is a credentialed public administrator specializing in growth management. Samantha was appointed City Manager by the Mayor and City Council on September 6, 2017, after previously serving as Interim City Manager since May and the Deputy City Manager since August, 2016.
Honors and Highlights:
- 2020 Gulf Breeze Citizen of the Year
- 2018 Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary Foundation International
- 2017 Top Ten Leading Mississippi Business Women
- 2016 Top 50 Leading Mississippi Business Women, MS Business Journal
- 2015 Georgia State University “Notable Alumni”, School of Public Management and Policy
- 2012 Top Ten Business Leaders Under 40, Journal of South MS Business
- 2012 Roland Weeks Leadership Hall of Fame, Sun Herald
- 2011 Gulf Coast Business Council Master in Leadership Graduate
Community Involvement:
City Manager, Samantha Abell is a member of the International City/County Manager Association (ICMA) and Florida City and County Managers Association (FCCMA). She serves on various boards, including:
- FCCMA’s Administration and Fiscal Responsibilities Committee
- Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization TCC
- Gulf Breeze Rotary Club Youth Services Director
- Northwest Florida Institute for Women in Politics
Career Highlights:
- Gulf Breeze City Manager
- Gautier, MS City Manager
- Fort Walton Beach, FL Planning and Economic Development Director
- North Little Rock, AR City Planner
Education:
Pennsylvania State University
Master of Professional Studies in Community and Economic Development
Georgia State University
Bachelor of Science, Public Administration and Urban Studies (Magna Cum Laude)
Personal:
Samantha’s maiden name is Cain
Samantha met her husband in an Old Testament college class
They are “Cain and Abell”
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