Former Rockville City Manager Robert DiSpirito Hired as Takoma Park City Manager

The Takoma Park City Council has announced the hiring of former Rockville City Manager, Robert DiSpirito, as its next City Manager. The Council formally confirmed his appointment at its regular Council meeting on January 17, 2024. DiSpirito resigned from his position as Rockville City Manager in August.

Per the City of Takoma Park: The City Manager search process began back in July 2023 and, since September, has been facilitated by the professional recruitment firm GovHR.  The recruiter’s work began with the City Council, City Department Heads, and other community stakeholders to develop recruitment materials and an applicant profile that would meet the broad needs of the Takoma Park community.

During the open application period, the City received over 58 applicants.  From this diverse pool of outstanding professionals from across the country, the Council invited three finalists to the City for two days of public and staff introductions, city tours, and interviews.  Following this review process, the Council settled on Robert DiSpirito, who had most recently served the City of Rockville, Maryland, as its City Manager.  Throughout the process, Mr. DiSpirito was a standout. He is a proven leader with knowledge of the challenges and opportunities we have in Montgomery County, 28 years of City Manager experience, and the vision necessary to move our city forward.

Mr. DiSpirito has had long tenures with a number of municipalities throughout the country.  He served as the City Manager in Rockville for approximately seven years. Before then, he was the City Manager of Dunedin, Florida, for nearly ten years and the City Manager of Oberlin, Ohio, for nearly eleven years. Mr. DiSpirito also served as Deputy City Manager in two other cities, Meadville, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, Ohio, for a combined total of 35 years of City Management experience.

“My prior experience as a City Manager and a practitioner of economic development, sustainability, and partnerships is suited to the challenges of a dynamic and evolving Takoma Park.”  Robert DiSpirito said, “I look forward to being a collaborative and contributing member of the very talented Takoma Park team and this very special community. The Mayor, Council, and City staff truly care about all of the people in Takoma Park, and it will be an honor for me to help them continue to improve the quality of life and care for those in need.”

As City Manager, Mr. DiSpirito will be responsible for City operations and the approximately 200 staff who collectively perform the City’s municipal services. January 22, 2024, will be his first day on the job.  Please join me in welcoming him to Takoma Park!

Please also join me in thanking our Housing and Community Development Director, David Eubanks, for his exceptional and tireless service performing as the Acting City Manager during this interim period.  We look forward to working together on the many challenges and opportunities facing our community with this talented city leadership team in the coming year.