Gulfport announces retirement of CAO Leonard Papania

Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes announced the retirement of Chief Administrative Officer Leonard Papania.

Papania will retire at the end of the year.

Hewes said in a statement that Papania’s remarkable 33-year journey with the City of Gulfport included “nine transformative years as our Chief of Police,” and was “a cornerstone of our community’s growth and safety.

“His tenure as CAO further solidified his legacy, revolutionizing our operational processes and enhancing collaboration across city departments.

“This retirement is not a farewell but a celebration of Leonard’s enduring impact and ongoing relationship with Gulfport. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping our city’s path forward. We thank Leonard for his extraordinary service and dedication, and while we will miss his daily presence, we look forward to his continued involvement and guidance in our community’s future.”

Papania, a lifelong resident of Gulfport, started a career in law enforcement in 1991, rising to the post of chief in 2013.

He retired in 2020 to serve in the private sector before returning to public service in 2021 when he was named CAO by Mayor Billy Hewes.

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