14-03-2025
Assistant Brevard County Manager Denninghoff retires; Calkins gets interim post
Assistant Brevard County Manager for Development and Environmental Services John Denninghoff has retired after 29 years in county government.
Denninghoff previously worked as the county's Public Works Department director, Transportation Engineering Department director and construction management director.
Among the major projects Denninghoff has facilitated for Brevard County are the replacement of the A. Max Brewer Bridge in Titusville (won the People's Choice Award in a national contest sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials); the Ellis Road Interstate 95/St. Johns Heritage Parkway interchange; the Port St. John Parkway interchange; the extension of the Pineda Causeway to I-95; construction of the St. Johns Heritage Parkway; the Brevard County Traffic Management Center; the Viera Boulevard/I-95 Interchange; the new Emergency Operations Center in Rockledge; development and implementation of the Intelligent Transportation System; and elimination of the countywide road resurfacing backlog.
In a resolution approved by Brevard County commissioners, it was noted that "Brevard County citizens and county leadership were fortunate to have John join public service in 1996, where he has since strived to uphold and require from engineering and professional colleagues the highest of integrity and standards to protect the citizens of Brevard County for the last 29 years. He's provided unwavering support, assistance and an exceptional work ethic to the county manager."
The resolution also noted that "John has overseen numerous critical programs, projects, and emergency preparation and response efforts, and rose to become widely known as a rock-solid resource for staff, county leadership and state representatives in virtually any emergency or critical situation."
Denninghoff is a lifetime resident of Brevard County and a University of Florida engineering graduate. He obtained his professional engineer license in 1987. Before joining the county staff, Denninghoff worked in private industry development and environmental engineering, achieving vice president and chief design engineer positions over 14 years in his early career.
In 2013, Denninghoff was named Urban Engineer of the Year by the Florida Association of County Engineers and Road Superintendents, recognized for criteria in project timeliness, innovation, leadership, impact on budget and impact on the community.
He served on the Central Florida Expressway Right-of-Way Committee for Brevard County since 2017, extending application of his professional engineering to regional growth affecting Brevard County and the surrounding regions.
The resolution said Denninghoff "leaves behind a legacy of professional achievements benefiting Brevard County and its residents for years to come. He doesn't just solve problems. He anticipates challenges, inspires others, and drives meaningful growth and necessary change."
It recognizes his "exceptional service" and "his many years of dedication, exceptional intelligence and innovation to the benefit of Brevard County and its citizens."
With Denninghoff's retirement, Tad Calkins was named interim assistant Brevard County manager for development and environmental services.
Calkins has over 29 years of public-sector experience, including 19 years with Brevard County. He started with Brevard County in 2005 as the assistant director of Permitting and Enforcement Department. In 2009, he became the assistant director of the Planning and Development Department. He moved into the role of planning and development director in March 2017.
During his tenure with the county, he has implemented numerous process improvements which have reduced application approval time frames and increased staff efficiencies by close to 100%.
Prior to his employment with Brevard County, he worked for Osceola County just under 10 years. Before that, he worked for Curts Gaines Hall Architects and Planners until 1996.
Calkins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in community development and regional planning from Appalachian State University.
With Calkins' new position, Billy Prasad was named as the county's interim director of planning and development.
Ameriprise recently recognized Leasha Flammio-Watson with its 2024 Client Experience Award.
Flammio-Watson is a Suntree-based certified financial adviser.
The award goes to select advisers who consistently deliver personalized, goal-based advice and exceptional client service. Award recipients earned an overall client satisfaction rating equal to or greater than 4.9 out of 5.0, and maintained stellar business results.
The award represents an elite group of Ameriprise advisers recognized as leaders for their commitment to making a difference in the lives of their clients.
Flammio-Watson is a private wealth adviser for Ameriprise.
Her office is at 6555 N. Wickham Road, Suite 102. She can be reached by calling 321-622-8371 or by email at
One Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Road in Viera, will present a panel discussion on "Downsizing 101: How to Simplify Your Move" at 1 p.m. March 24.
The event will bring business experts together in a downsizing panel to provide seniors with tips and best practices for a move to a smaller home.
All aspects of a downsizing move will be discussed by the panel participants.
Panelists include Barb Asinari, senior real estate specialist from Oceans Realty; Dan Mocerino, owner of Tropic Moving; Cindy Theilacker, owner of A to Z Estate Sale Liquidators; Josh and Sara McCoy, personal IT consultants, Black Hole Makers; and Daniel Beetar, professional organizer from Got to Bee Clean: Your Home Concierge.
One Senior Place Assistant Director Chassity Inglis will facilitate the audience question-and-answer period.
Downsizing 101 includes a light lunch.
"Moving is a big task at any age," said Angie Higgins, director of One Senior Place. "Many seniors have a lifetime of treasures in their homes, and are unsure how to start the downsizing process — even when the time is right. This expert panel will answer questions and lay out the steps for seniors who want to transition to the next chapter in their lives."
To RSVP, go to or call 321-751-6771.
To learn more about One Senior Place, go to
Kacie Moia recently was promoted to senior project manager at MEC General Contractors.
She joined the company in June 2022 as a project manager.
MEC General Contractors is a full-service commercial construction company headquartered in Suntree. It has offices in Orlando and in Grapevine, Texas.
Prior to joining MEC, Moia was a project manager and construction estimator with Don Facciobene Inc. Before that, she was a project manager and estimator for Lowman Brothers Construction. She also had worked as a purchasing manager for Stanley Homes.
If you have a Business Newsmakers item you'd like to publish, please email details to Wayne T. Price at wtpkansas@ or contact him at 321-223-0230.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Assistant Brevard Manager Denninghoff retires after 29 years with county
