By Cindy Peterson
Eustis Commission Appoints Rick Gierok as Interim City Manager
During the City Commission meeting on Thursday, March 5, the Eustis City Commission unanimously appointed Rick Gierok to serve as Interim City Manager. Gierok assumed the role of Acting City Manager at the conclusion of the meeting.
Gierok was selected for this role based on his fifteen years of experience with the City of Eustis as the previous Public Works Director and current Engineering and Capital Projects Director.
Tom Carrino, who has served as the City Manager since May of 2022, submitted his resignation in December of 2025. Carrino was hired as the City Manager following his appointment as the Interim City Manager. He has served the City for a total of twelve years, including in his previous role as the Economic Development Director.
Mayor Emily Lee acknowledged Carrino’s departure with appreciation for his long service to the community. “We are grateful for Tom’s hard work throughout his tenure with the City,” Lee said. “We extend immense appreciation to him for his service and dedication to the Eustis community.”
The City of Eustis is moving forward with a comprehensive search for a permanent City Manager by engaging a professional consulting firm to help identify and recruit highly qualified candidates. This process will include a broad outreach effort to ensure a strong and competitive applicant pool. The position is expected to be posted on the City’s website in the coming weeks.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
