- October 31, 2024
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Michael Schottey
City of Palm Coast Communications Officer
Matthew Mancill, a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, has been hired as the city of Palm Coast's new director of Public Works.
In 1996, with the support of his wife, Dianna, Mancill entered military life only two weeks after the two were married. Years later, in his farewell address, he would say that he had, “joined the Air Force in order to marry his wife and to have a job” — a couple of facts that made his father-in-law very happy.
Mancill’s Air Force career took him and his family around the world, from South Korean to Idaho.
He attained the rank of command chief master sergeant and, at his last post, served “as the senior enlisted advisor to the Commander on matters influencing the readiness, morale, welfare, training, discipline, effective utilization, professional development, and force structure for the 1,500 assigned personnel across two groups and seven squadrons.”
Along the way, Mancill says that he learned the importance of taking care of the people around him and under his command.
The Mancills’ path in life was not always easy. At times, it required a great deal of sacrifice because of both the work and the distance from his family.
At the time he entered the Air Force, Mancill also noted that he “wanted to avoid needing to go to college.” Three associates degrees, one bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree later, Mancill is now pursuing the civilian part of his life by combining his education and his leadership training.
“Pay it forward leaders,” according to Mancill, are people who invest time and resources into the next generation of leadership. They do so graciously, intentionally and often sacrificially. There are no stereotypes, just a leader bridging the gaps between one generation and another.
Mancill’s experiences in the military were filled with this type of leader who taught him what true leaders do for their personnel and how to become the example others look up to for guidance.
“This job allows me to continue to serve my community at the local level,” Mancill said of his new job in Palm Coast. “Specifically with public works, I enjoy having the opportunity to work with the people who work behind the scenes to keep this city running day in and day out."
