January Member Profile

John Stunson, City Manager, City of Oakland Park
By:  Caedmon Davis, Public Management Intern, City of Oakland Park

ICMA member since: 1974 

Current Occupation: City Manager of Oakland Park. (1974-1984) and (2001-Present). 

Before you took on your current position with the city of Oakland Park, what other positions did you hold throughout your professional career?

Shortly after serving in the military, I accepted a job as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Fort Lauderdale- a position I would hold between the years of 1972-1974 and later again during the years of 1985-1991.  During my tenure with the city, I helped create an urban framework that would incorporate the Riverwalk Promenade, Broward Performing Arts Center, and the Museum of Discovery and Science into a well-developed cultural focal point that residents continue to enjoy to this day.  I left Fort Lauderdale to accept the City Manager’s position for the City of Oakland Park- a position I kept between the years of 1974-1983.  Between the years of 1983-2001, I continued to serve the South Florida community in a number of other capacities, including serving as a Chief of Staff to the congressman from Florida’s 15^th Congressional District (1983-1984), City Manager of the City of North Lauderdale (1991-2000), as well as an Chief Executive Officer  for a medium-sized law-firm (2000-2001).

Please describe some other affiliations that exist between you and the South Florida community.

In addition to the full-time positions I have held, I have been affiliated with Shepard’s Way Ministries, the ICMA, and the Broward City and County Management Association for the better part of the last three decades.  I also served on the Board of the FCCMA between the years of 1996-1997 and 1999-2001. 

Do you have any previous military experience?

As a matter of fact, I do.  Shortly after graduating from high school, I joined the United States Army between the years of 1962-1965 and served one tour of duty on the Korean Peninsula. 

During your tenure as the City Manager for Oakland Park, what would you describe as your greatest accomplishments?

Since coming back to the City of Oakland Park in 2001, we have carefully crafted a vision that has not only made Oakland park a more enjoyable place to live but we have also undertaken essential projects that have helped economically revitalize various parts of the city, modernize our infrastructure and increased open space and parks facilities.  In addition to our City’s Redevelopment Area and Capital Improvement Projects, such as storm water and sewage system repairs, we also expanded the overall size and population of the city by annexing adjoining areas- adding roughly 12,000 new residents.

What would you describe as the most challenging/rewarding aspect/s of your career in public management?

The most challenging aspect of my job is trying how to best figure out how to do more with less.  In times where budgets demand precise execution and optimal utilization of community resources, a competent public manager must accurately assess the needs of the city and develop a careful plan that meets those needs without wasting any of the public’s resources.  Such a duty requires astute attention to detail and a love of problem solving, as even a small organizational change can lead to both seen and unforeseen consequences.

The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that I contributed to making my community a better place to live for both our current residents and future posterity. 

What is your educational background?

I earned by Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University, and I have completed a majority of my credits towards earning my DPA from Nova Southeastern University. 

Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Illinois, but I have resided in Florida since moving here in the late 1950’s.  For the past thirty-six years I have lived in the City of Oakland Park. 

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

I enjoy leading an active lifestyle and spending much of my time outdoors.  My wife and I are members of a local gym and enjoy working out on a regular basis.  We also enjoy fishing, reading and taking the time to travel.  We also enjoy spending time with our two grown children and our three grandchildren.   

What would you like people to know about you?

This is a very challenging, noble and rewarding career.  There is no job I would rather do.