Public Works Director Isaac Brownman accepts assistant town manager job

In the middle of hurricanes Helene and Milton, Public Works Director Isaac Brownman was busy not only keeping the town together but also accepting a new position within the town. 

Brownman has started to transition into a new role with the town of Longboat Key: Assistant Town Manager.

The promotion was announced to staff and commissioners in late September, and Brownman will work to take on more responsibility before officially becoming Assistant Town Manager in January 2025. 

In past years, the Assistant Town Manager position has been one that’s up to the sitting town manager, and not every town manager has had one. Over the summer, Town Manager Howard Tipton decided to hire an Assistant Town Manager. 

Town Manager Howard Tipton held an internal search for an assistant, and Brownman decided this was a solid next step in his career. 

“I thought it was a great opportunity to help where I can with the town and (Tipton), and to share my knowledge and experience in that way,” Brownman said. 

Brownman started as Public Works Director in 2017 after a 17-year career with Sarasota County.

At Sarasota County, Brownman served as Public Works Director and County Engineer for several years and worked in other departments like land development and capital projects. 

Before his time at Sarasota County, Brownman worked various positions in the private sector in Charlotte County. 

As the town’s new Assistant Town Manager, Brownman will be more involved with functions like strategic planning, procurement and human resources, which was previously a part of the Support Services Director position. He’ll also still help out in Public Works and other town departments. 

“It’s just a great opportunity, so I’m really humbled for the chance to take part in that,” Brownman said.

While he takes on the new responsibilities, Brownman will also help the town stabilize the Public Works Director position, which is currently being advertised. Assistant Public Works Director Charlie Mopps will serve as Interim Public Works Director in the meantime. 

As the Assistant Town Manager, Brownman can also take Tipton’s place during town commission and other meetings if Tipton is unable to for any reason.

Brownman is looking forward to fully taking on the responsibility in the new year and the opportunity to become more involved with the town, which he speaks highly of. 

“Longboat Key is a great place to work,” Brownman said. “The people are great, the commission is really supportive and it’s just a great place to work. We like the opportunity to enhance our saying of ‘Premier Community, Exceptional Service,’ that’s what it’s all about.”