Agenda 04/28/2026 Item #16F 4 (Appointment of Matthew D. McLean as Interim Public Utilities Department Head, effective May 18, 2026)4/28/2026
Item # 16.F.4
ID# 2026-1067
Executive Summary
Recommendation to confirm the appointment of Matthew D. McLean as Interim Public Utilities Department Head,
effective May 18, 2026, and authorize any necessary Budget Amendments.
OBJECTIVE: For the Board to confirm the appointment of an Interim Department Head for the Public Utilities
Department.
CONSIDERATIONS: On June 28, 2022, the Board of County Commissioners (Board) entered into a contract with Amy
Patterson as County Manager. Under Ordinance No. 2013-40, the Collier County Administrator’s Ordinance, the County
Manager is responsible for the administration of all departments under the jurisdiction of the Board, including the
selection, employment, and supervision of all personnel and the filling of all vacancies, except that the employment of a
Deputy County Manager or Department Head requires confirmation by the Board.
On March 25, 2025, the Board confirmed Mr. James W. DeLony as Interim Public Utilities Department Head. Mr.
DeLony’s assignment was intended as a short-term appointment following the resignation of Dr. George Yilmaz.
Accordingly, the County Manager requests the Board’s confirmation of the appointment of Matthew D. McLean as the
Interim Public Utilities Department Head, effective May 18, 2026, at which time he will assume the interim role
currently held by Mr. DeLony.
A transition period between Mr. DeLony and Mr. McLean will occur to support the transfer of responsibilities, maintain
continuity of operations, and ensure continued progress of the Public Utilities Capital Program and landfill planning.
As Interim Public Utilities Department Head, Mr. McLean will assume full day-to-day leadership of the Department,
including decision-making, meetings, and Board-related responsibilities, and will serve as the sole point of accountability
for Department performance.
This interim appointment is part of the County’s selection process as the County Manager completes an evaluation of Mr.
McLean for potential permanent appointment.
Mr. McLean is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Florida under Chapter 471, Florida Statutes. Since
February 2022, he has served as Director of Engineering and Project Management for the Public Utilities Department,
where he leads the planning and execution of the Collier County Water-Sewer District’s Capital Improvement Program.
His responsibilities include oversight of project delivery, quality control and field inspection, automation and technical
support systems, the Department’s GIS-based enterprise asset management program, utility planning, asset protection
through stake-and-locate services, and engineering support functions.
Mr. McLean’s prior role in Collier County Government included eight years of service in the Growth Management
Department as Director of Development Review and Director of Capital Project Planning, Impact Fees, and Program
Management. He also served for four years as the Senior Engineer/Project Manager for Agnoli, Barber & Brundage,
responsible for the design, permitting, and construction management and certification of municipal, commercial, and
residential development projects. He has held positions as a Utility Operations Manager and a project engineer at several
civil engineering consulting firms.
He holds a BA in Environmental Studies from Rollins College, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the
University of Florida, and a Master of Engineering in Construction Management from the University of Florida.
This item aligns with the Collier County Strategic Plan, specifically the focus areas of Quality of Place, Infrastructure
and Asset Management, Community Development, and Responsible Governance.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Interim Public Utilities Department Head will receive a salary of $198,730.08 during the
interim assignment. The Collier County Water-Sewer District’s personal services budget will be reviewed for any
necessary adjustments, with existing appropriations reallocated as needed.
4/28/2026
Item # 16.F.4
ID# 2026-1067
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no growth management impact associated with this action.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney. This item raises no legal issues
and requires majority vote for approval. -JAK
RECOMMENDATION(S): To confirm the appointment of Matthew D. McLean as Interim Public Utilities Department
Head, effective May 18, 2026, and authorize any necessary Budget Amendments.
PREPARED BY: Amy Patterson, County Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
None