The City of Oviedo is managed under a Council/City Manager form of government. The City Manager is the chief executive officer of the city who leads the organization and provides executive leadership necessary to carry out the mission, goals, and policies established by the City Council.  

The City Manager’s Office is responsible for:


• Implementing and administering the Policy Directives of the City Council within the parameters of the City Charter
• The effective and efficient provision of all City services
• The enforcement of all laws pursuant to the City Charter, including Human Resources and Financial Management
• Preparation and recommendation of an annual operating budget and five (5) year Capital Improvements Program.
• Keeping the City Council informed as to the financial condition and future needs of the City
• Signing contracts on behalf of the City

Meet Mr. Gestrich

Mr. Richard Gestrich joined the City of Oviedo as City Manager, July 14, 2008.  Soon after his arrival, he and his wife, Beatrice, established residence in the Sanctuary subdivision where in his hours away from the City offices, he enjoys spending time with his family, working out daily by swimming and weightlifting, gardening (he likes roses) and taking in the occasional stray cat.

Those who’ve worked with Mr. Gestrich describe him as being conscientious, tough but fair, hardworking and very professional.  His background includes: 

A City Manager career spanning more than 25 years and several jurisdictions.

City Manager of Middletown Township, Bucks County in Pennsylvania, a community with a population of 52,000.

A Florida connection; he served as Town Manager of Jupiter Island in 2005-06.

A  Bachelor in Political Science from Indiana University, Pennsylvania; Master of Science in Public Administration from Shippensburg State College (Carlisle, Pennsylvania); and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh.

The first Township Manager of Upper Makefield Township, Bucks County in Pennsylvania, from 1982 to 2005.