UPDATE: Wildwood Names New Administrator

WILDWOOD — The governing body here appointed an Ocean View resident as the city’s new top manager.
At their Wed., June 9, Mayor Gary DeMarzo and Commissioners Al Brannen and Edward Harshaw appointed Dale Goodneau to the position of city administrator. Goodreau, deputy administrator in Egg Harbor Township for the past 11 years, is set to start his new job in Wildwood on June 28.
“I am excited to work for the residents of Wildwood,” Goodreau told the Herald. “It is very evident that the municipal personnel are proud of the service they provide to the city’s residents and its many visitors that enjoy all the opportunities available in this great city.”
He noted the employees pride was especially evident in the city’s beaches recently being voted the best in New Jersey.
“I will do everything in my power to ensure that the tradition of excellent service continues,” he continued, noting that he sees the residents as his customers and his goal is to provide them with great services.
“Mr. Goodreau was chosen for his broad base of experience, demonstrated leadership in municipal government and proven management capabilities. He will be an excellent Administrator to oversee the day-to-day operations of Wildwood,” DeMarzo stated in a release.
As an administrator in one of Atlantic County’s largest municipalities, Goodreau brings vast government experience — project management, personnel administration, capital improvements, planning, development, and bargaining negotiations, the release stated.
Goodreau cited his role in major improvement projects including a new community center, a softball field house and an addition to police headquarters.
Goodreau also served in the U.S. Coast Guard for over 25 years, retiring as a captain. He was the Group and Air Station Commander for Cape May and Atlantic City, with over 500 personnel under his command.
“For anyone to rise to the rank of captain, they have to have some skills,” Harshaw said, noting that a captain in the Coast Guard is equal to a colonel in the Army.
Regarding the position he is leaving, Goodreau said it’s been a “fantastic job working for Egg Harbor Township residents,” but it’s also had its challenges as the community grew over the last several years from a population of 30,000 to more than 40,000. He cited particular challenges in zoning, commercial development and difficulties offsetting ratables.
He also acknowledged that Wildwood would come with its own set of challenges particularly with the administration’s goal of reducing the local tax rate.
“With the approach the state has taken on funding issues, it will be a challenge to meet that goal,” Goodreau said. “But I believe I’m up to the challenge; I look forward to the challenge. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have applied for the job.”
Goodreau was one of more than 50 applicants from New Jersey and surrounding states for the position, Acting Administrator Richard Deaney said. The city, in conjunction with a management recruitment firm Jersey Professional Management, conducted an extensive search for someone to serve in this position, whittling the candidate pool down to 11 and then to three.
Deaney said he spent a lot of time with each of the candidates and it was a difficult decision, but he thinks the best person for the job was selected in the end. Deaney, a former administrator in Ocean City, said he had regular interaction with Goodreau, and found him to be “a professional and a gentleman.”
On his upcoming departure, Deaney thanked the residents of Wildwood for their active support at municipal meetings, which are often packed with a standing-room-only crowd.