County Manager's Office

County Manager - Frank Abbate

Having served in the public sector for over 34 years, Frank Abbate’s professional career is anchored by 26 years as Brevard County’s Human Resources Director. Upon moving to Florida in 1989, Abbate was admitted to the Florida Bar. Abbate also served on as an Assistant County Manager for 2 1/2 years during his tenure with Brevard County. He has served as an Instructor for both Webster University and UCF in their graduate Public Administration and Human Resources Development programs. Upon graduating from the Dickinson School of Law, Penn State University, Abbate was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1982. He served as a Staff Attorney and then as the Personnel Director/Labor Attorney for the City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for six years. As an undergraduate student at S.U.N.Y. @ Stony Brook, Abbate earned his Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Political Science and served as a congressional intern in Washington, D.C. 

Abbate lives in Satellite Beach with his wife Rita. They are the proud parents of three children and four grandchildren.

Assistant County Manager - John Denninghoff

John is a long-time resident of Brevard County, and received his entire pre-college formal education in the Brevard County School system.  A graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, he is a licensed Professional Engineer and has had various related certifications.  John has extensive experience in the design, construction and maintenance of roadways; drainage systems; signage; signals; utilities; treatment plants; and other infrastructure.   He has extensive experience in land use concerns, including zoning, conditional-use permits, etc.  He has over 14 years of experience as an engineer in private practice.   He has served more than 20 years in Public Service with Brevard County.  While at the County, he has served in increasingly responsible positions, including Construction Management Director (including roads and buildings); the Transportation Engineering Department Director; the Public Works Department Director; and now as an Assistant County Manager.  As Public Works Director he was recognized as the “Urban Engineer of the Year for 2013” by the Florida Association of County Engineers and Road Superintendents.  John and his wife have raised four children and enjoy spending time with seven delightful grandchildren.

Assistant County Manager - Jim Liesenfelt

Jim graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Public Affairs and has served as Director of Transit Services (Space Coast Area Transit) for twenty years. Jim began working for Transit Services in 1991, as Transit Planner, and then held the position of Manager of Planning and Finance. Space Coast Area Transit was named “Florida’s Outstanding Transit System” in 2011 by the Florida Public Transportation Association and the “Best Small Transit System” nationwide in 2003 by the American Public Transportation Association. Space Coast Area Transit has been awarded numerous state and national marketing awards and four vehicle operators have been named State Bus Driver or Paratransit Driver of the Year! Jim has served in various positions for the Florida Public Transportation Association, including a term as Chair in 2001-2002. Jim moved to Brevard County in 1991, and resides here with his wife and five children. He currently serves as Chair on the City of West Melbourne’s Planning and Zoning Board and as Committee Chair of Boy Scout Troop 314.

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