Meet Clearwater’s New City Manager Jennifer Poirrier
Jennifer Poirrier never saw herself venturing into city management. The human resources executive did not accept the position for her own career aspirations. Instead, she was led by the desire to serve the people in a community she loves.
On April 4, after acting as the assistant manager for three months and the interim manager for four months, Poirrier was named Clearwater’s new city manager. Her role is to implement the policy and the direction set forth by the City Council and run day-to-day operations of the full-service city. She looks forward to bringing her collaborative and decisive leadership style to the position.
Human Resources Excellence
The Pinellas County native came to the city of Clearwater in August 2018 as the assistant director of human resources and was soon promoted to human resources director. Prior to that, she was the human resources director of Treasure Island for more than nine years. She said working in a smaller municipality allowed her to take on more responsibilities, evolving her professionally.
In 2019, Poirrier was named a People First Honoree by Tampa Bay Business Journal for Excellence in Human Resources. The University of South Florida graduate also holds a Master of Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University.
“I am grateful for the outpouring of support. There is so much excitement over the great things that are happening in Clearwater,” Poirrier said, “It’s an honor to be part of seeing them to fruition.”
Imagine Clearwater
Imagine Clearwater, the expansive Coachman Park, the welcoming Gateway Plaza and new bluff walk connecting Clearwater’s waterfront and downtown areas will be finished in June. The weeklong celebration of the city’s $84 million renovation will begin with a ribbon cutting on June 28.
Poirrier’s involvement includes working with staff on traffic, parking, programming, marketing and logistics for the world-class facility. She looks forward to enjoying the massive park with her husband, Adam, and 19-year-old daughter, Kaylea, a student at the University of Central Florida.
Future Plans
Her immediate goal as city manager is to smooth out this transition period and bring stability back to Clearwater. She is actively working toward filling several key positions and looks forward to reaching a period of progress.
Despite recent leadership changes, the city management remains a well-oiled machine and in a solid financial position. She is eager to start building a strong team, focused on strategic goals and an aggressive agenda to carry the city forward.
“Clearwater is the same city we all know and love,” she said. “Now, we are on the brink of absolute greatness.”
