By-Line: Brittany Kershaw, Director of Communications and Marketing, City of Palm Coast
The City of Palm Coast is proud to announce the hiring of two key leadership positions to support the city’s continued public service. Brian Roche has been appointed as the new Utility Director, and John Zobler will serve as the Community Development Director. Both began their roles on Monday, July 28, 2025.
Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston and Interim Assistant City Manager Mark Strobridge played a pivotal role in recruiting and helping to fill these critical leadership positions, bringing forward professionals whose expertise and experience will elevate the city’s strategic initiatives.
Brian Roche brings more than three decades of utility and engineering experience to Palm Coast, including high-level leadership roles with major utilities such as JEA, Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), and Fairfax Water. Most recently, Roche served as Water Resource Director for North Florida Professional Services, where he provided system planning, engineering, and finance support for the formation of a regional utility authority in Columbia and Suwannee Counties.
Roche has led multi-billion-dollar capital and operating budgets, directed major infrastructure systems serving hundreds of thousands of utility customers, and developed long-term finance and resource planning strategies. His blend of operational and engineering expertise will support Palm Coast Utilities in meeting the demands of a growing community while maintaining exceptional service quality.
John Zobler brings a distinguished background in local government, having served as City Manager and Deputy City Manager for the City of Ocala, Florida, from 2010 to 2019. During his tenure, he spearheaded initiatives that transformed Ocala’s downtown core, including the development of Central Park, a walking sculpture tour, and the launch of a business incubator in a city-owned building.
A man in a suit and tie stands indoors, with the American flag and a blurred framed picture in the background He has short brown hair, glasses, and a neutral expression
Zobler was instrumental in attracting large-scale employers through public-private partnerships, played a key role in the proposed relocation of the New York Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate to Ocala, and implemented significant improvements to the city’s development review process. His leadership earned him the title of 2019 Person of the Year by Ocala Magazine. Zobler is known for his forward-thinking strategies and ability to balance community growth with long-term sustainability.
“These two individuals bring a wealth of experience and a passion for public service that will benefit every Palm Coast resident,” said Interim Assistant City Manager Mark Strobridge. “We’re excited to welcome Brian and John to the team and look forward to their contributions in shaping the future of our city.”
