Port St. Lucie - Tuesday January 10, 2023: The Port St. Lucie City Council Monday unanimously approved the appointment of Jesus Merejo to replace retiring City Manager Russ Blackburn.
Blackburn, who has been Port St. Lucie City Manager for the past six years, is retiring effective February 17th. Merejo has been his Chief Assistant. He'll assume the top job the next day, on February 18th, pending ratification of his contract at the next City Council meeting on January 23rd.
Port St. Lucie Mayor Shannon Martin praised Blackburn’s steady hand who she said helped steer the city though a number of successes and crises during the past six years that he has been in office. “Russ you have done an excellent and amazing job," said Mayor Martin, "and as I reflected back on all the challenges that we have overcome as a City, the significant reduction in our City debt, and most recently the difficult challenge that we overcame under your leadership of recent solid waste contract.”
Blackburn returned the praise saying - “I’ve been fortunate to lead a team that has done exceptionally well and its all because you provided the leadership and you let us do it. So, thank you.”
Blackburn’s successor, Jesus Merejo, began his career with the city in 1994 as the chief waste treatment plant operator. He rose through the ranks over the years to become the Chief Assistant to Blackburn. “Mr. Merejo is not only capable of being our next City Manager," said Mayor Martin, "but I believe he has more knowledge of our city than any other previous manager in the last 14 years. He’s a consummate professional with a very strong work ethic and always gives 150%. He’s well respected by our department directors and City staff as well as our community.”
Merejo thank his predecessor, his staff, and the Council for the trust they placed in him.
“Mr. Blackburn, thank you for everything you’ve done. You’ve truly set the foundation for me to take this next role. The staff, what can I say? We have a tremendous team. My job is to lead, but they’re going to be doing the job. Mayor, Vice-Mayor, Council. I’m truly humbled. Thank you.”