By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — Naples Town Manager Jason Rogers officially turned in his resignation in mid-January. However, not wanting to leave the town in a lurch, he won’t leave his current position until June.

“I did tender my resignation on Jan. 16 with my last day being June 1. The reason for the extended notice period is to allow enough time for the [Naples] Select Board to find a qualified replacement,” Rogers said in an email last week.

He accepted a job in Florida as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a technology company, he said. He plans on relocating from the Pine Tree State to the Sunshine State sometime this summer.

He explained why he made this decision.

“The career opportunity allows me to work with some longtime friends, and it offers the added benefit of living only two hours away from my elderly mother,” Rogers said.

The town manager wasn’t scanning the help wanted ads when he learned about the job opening.

“Serendipitous is a great word to describe how this job offer came about. I was not actively looking for a new opportunity, but when the perfect one came along, I couldn’t say no,” Rogers said.

Not only did he give the select board a heads-up about the situation before putting his resignation in writing, but he gave a four-and-a-half-month notice.

“The select board was made aware of my intention to resign prior to my official notice on Jan. 16,” he said.

The three-year job contract, which he signed in 2023, ended in October 2026.

“Per my contract I am only required 60-days notice. The hiring process can be a lengthy one and I — along with the select board — wanted to make sure we allowed enough time to identify the right candidate,” Rogers said.

“Timing is also important, by onboarding my replacement before June 1, we are allowing the new town manager ample time to become familiar with the day-to-day operations before the next budget season,” he said.

Typically, the Town of Naples embarks on its budget planning process in January.

Rogers commented on what some of the qualities and skill sets should be present in the right candidate.

“The incoming town manager should possess the skills and attributes you look for in any leaders,” he said. “They should have an appreciation for process and procedure as well as a commitment to teamwork.”

He knows from first-hand experience what the town manager position requires.

“I wouldn’t say any part of the job was difficult but more so challenging. Naples residents have many needs and addressing those needs on a daily basis takes teamwork,” he said.

“I am very thankful and proud of the town employees and the many volunteers who assist in meeting those needs,” he said.

What he has enjoyed most about his experience is: “The community. Naples has a character like no other.”