The Clay County Board of Commissioners chose Hanania Automotive Group executive Howard Wanamaker as the next Clay County manager.
The board voted 3-2 Monday to choose Wanamaker, one of four finalists. It will begin contract negotiations with him.
“This is a critical time in the county’s future and the board believes Mr. Wanamaker is the person that can guide us as our community experiences the rapid commercial and residential growth we are expecting,” Clay County Board of Supervisors chair Mike Cella said in a news release.
Wanamaker is the chief strategy officer for Hanania Automotive Group in Jacksonville. He joined the company in 2016 as director of human resources.
Before joining Hanania, he served 26 years in the U.S. Navy and was commanding officer at Naval Air Station Jacksonville from 2013-16.
Wanamaker serves on the boards of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity and the YMCA. He also is vice chair of the USO.
Wanamaker has a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Florida and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Wanamaker and his family will relocate to Clay County.
“My family and I are looking forward to serving the residents of our thriving community,” Wanamaker said.