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All Departments Administration Corrections Development Services Facilities Management Human Resources Information Technology Library Services Management and Budget Services Natural Resources Management Neighborhood and Human Services Parks and Recreation Public Safety Public Works Veterans Services Waste ServicesEscambia County is pleased to announce Wes Moreno’s selection as the permanent Escambia County Administrator. A discussion was held at the Aug. 11 Committee of the Whole workshop and Moreno’s hire was confirmed during the Aug. 18 BCC meeting.
Moreno’s career with Escambia County spans 35 years, beginning in June 1987. Moreno was initially hired on as a Maintenance Worker I in the county roads department. From there, Moreno progressed through to Equipment Operator I and II. He later went through the corrections and law enforcement academies to receive certifications in both fields. As a result of his certification in the corrections academy, Moreno managed crews and inmates on several projects including rights-of-way, drainage, sidewalks and more. He became the Public Works Director in 2007 and was instrumental in shifting the department’s culture and working closely with engineering on the completion of several high-priority projects.
In addition to his robust experience in public works, Moreno served in the county engineering department from 1997 until 2007. He managed large projects and received statewide recognition for his work. During his time with engineering, he was promoted to the Chief of Construction Management and Engineering II, a role directly underneath the county engineer. He has assisted both the roads and engineering departments in hurricane responses, gaining firsthand experience in service to his community. Moreno also became Deputy County Administrator in 2019.
“Wes Moreno has been a dedicated public servant for more than 35 years in Escambia County, Florida, and he knows this community and this county,” said District 1 Commissioner and Chairman Jeff Bergosh. “He has distinguished himself over his time in Escambia County; he has a track record of clear, honest communication and seamless interaction with stakeholders both within the county and the community at large. Wes has proven himself to be an exceptional leader and an effective administrator over the last 14 months since he was brought up to this position on an interim basis during a time of significant tumult locally. And during that time his demeanor and dedicated work ethic has allowed for many significant milestones to occur, including the settlement of multiple bargaining unit contracts, historic pay raises for first responders and county staff, a total rework and improvement of multiple departments that has created efficiency and savings, and a markedly noticeable uptick in morale among all employees. I look forward to Wes’ continued service as Escambia County’s permanent Administrator.”
In June 2021, Moreno stepped into the role of Interim County Administrator. During his time in the interim role, Moreno notes his biggest accomplishments as filling director roles in departments including engineering, purchasing and the office of management and budget; wrapping up union negotiations; securing wage increases for departments including public safety and corrections; and fostering a positive culture across county departments. Under Moreno’s leadership, staff has executed a $35,000 hiring campaign filling numerous vacancies and put out nearly 150 procurements through the purchasing office.
“I’m extremely honored to be the board’s selection for the county administrator,” said Moreno. “The board gave me an incredible opportunity when I stepped into the interim position last June. With the help of county staff, we have been able to accomplish some extraordinary endeavors over the last 14 months. I came into the role with an idea and a vision, but none of this would have been possible without the support from every department. I’m looking forward to continuing our upward momentum and making a difference in our community.”
When asked about his upcoming plans as the permanent county administrator, Moreno notes there is still a lot of work to be done, but with the right people in the right positions, anything is possible. “One of my biggest priorities is filling the 51 vacancies in public works,” Moreno says. “We recently signed an MOU with the union to increase the starting pay to $18.81 an hour in our public works department. With this pay raise, I’m hopeful we can recruit quality candidates. We have identified grants we want to go after, including ones that will help with the county’s homeless population. Now that we’re stable in our directorships, it’s time to level out and fly.”
Escambia County commends and congratulates Wes Moreno on his selection as Escambia County Administrator.
The mission of Escambia County government is to provide efficient, responsive services that enhance our quality of life, meet common needs and promote a safe and healthy community.
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