TITUSVILLE, Fla. – The Titusville City Council selected Tom Abbate as its new city manager, promoting him from the interim city manager position he was given in May, a news release stated.

On Saturday, Abbate officially replaced Titusville’s former city manager, Scott Larese, who retired in March after serving the position for 10 years.

Abbate served as Titusville’s assistant city manager for more than 20 years under the leadership of three previous city managers, the release said.

The selection marked the conclusion of a nationwide search, officials said, which attracted over 60 applicants from across the country.

“It is both an honor and privilege to have been appointed as city manager,” Abbate said in a statement. “I look forward to working with a very talented and dedicated city staff as we move the city forward carrying out council’s strategic plan and vision in a manner that values the importance of transparency, open communications and professional excellence in all we do.”