Two new leaders for Sebastian’s community development efforts were introduced to the City Council during Wednesday’s meeting.
Marissa Moore will serve as the city’s Community Development director and manager of the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency. Moore, 42, recently relocated to Sebastian from Islamorada, where she served as a planning consultant for Monroe County. She has also previously worked as a city planner and horticulturist for the city of New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County.
At the Sebastian Municipal Airport, Scott Baker will now oversee operations as airport manager. Baker, 62, has been a city resident for 16 years and previously worked as vice president for Velocity Aircraft, which is located at the airport.
City Manager Joe Griffin said Frank Watanabe, who has been serving as city engineer, community development director and airport director, will continue on as city engineer and project manager.
“I felt like Frank was really overloaded,” said Griffin. “Although he was hired as the city engineer, he agreed to take on those additional roles for a short period of time. What we thought would be for three months turned into a year and a half. It’s about spreading out the responsibilities.”
Griffin said Moore brings a diverse planning background to the position and will serve as the city’s liaison at the Working Waterfront.
“I want someone to keep their eyes on the Community Redevelopment Agency and what is happening along the riverfront,” said Griffin. “And she will also serve as the point person for city grants.”
Since Baker has already worked at the Sebastian Municipal Airport, he is familiar with the current tenants, Griffin said. His responsibilities will include overseeing the general aviation operations for corporate and business users and attracting additional aviation services to the airport.
Both Moore and Baker started their new positions March 21 and report to the city manager. Moore will earn $70,000 annually, and Baker will earn $50,000, Griffin said.