Panama City Council

Mark T. McQueen has been City Manager for the City of Panama City since September 2018. In this role, Mark serves as the city’s chief administrative officer and manages the daily operations of government. In the wake of Hurricane Michael in October 2018, McQueen has worked closely with the Mayor, City Commission, and city staff to help lead Panama City’s recovery as the premier city in the Florida Panhandle.

Prior to his service with the City, McQueen spent 36 years with the U.S Army, retiring as a two-star general. His last assignment was as the Commanding General of the 108th Training Command (IET) headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was responsible for more than 8,000 Soldiers in 44 states and Puerto Rico.

McQueen is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, and Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Badge.

Originally from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, McQueen is a resident of Southport, Florida and is married to the former Karen Lynette McLeod. They have two children, Taylor and Thomas. Additionally, McQueen previously served as the Business Administrator at First Baptist Church in Panama City, Florida.

McQueen earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Auburn University, a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Development from Troy State University and a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. Additionally, Mark completed the National Security Studies Program at George Washington University and the Senior Executives in National and International Security Program at the Harvard University Kennedy School. 

Policy is adopted by the City Commission then administered by a professional city administrator, the City Manager. The City Manager is appointed by the City Commission and holds office strictly at the pleasure of the Commission. The City Manager is responsible to the City Commission for the efficient administration of all business affairs of the city. In carrying out this responsibility, the Charter provides that the City Manager shall have the following power and obligation:

• To appoint and remove all subordinate officers and employees of the city, with the exception of the City Attorney and City Clerk
• To be the purchasing agent for the city by whom all purchases and supplies shall be made and shall approve all vouchers for the payment of same
• To exercise control and direct supervision over all departments and divisions of the municipal government
• To keep the City Commission fully advised as to the financial condition and needs of the city and to submit for its consideration an annual budget.
• To recommend to the City Commission for adoption such measures, as he may deem necessary or expedient in the interest of the city
• To see that the laws and ordinances of the city are enforced

City Manager Mark McQueen hosts the weekly forum on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Citizens may attend in person at City Hall (Room 010) or virtually via Zoom.