Mayor Hewes comments on Papania’s dedication to city

Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes announced the retirement of chief administrative officer Leonard Papania.

Papania worked with the Gulfport police force for 25 years, retiring as chief of police in 2020 after seven years in that position.

In 2021, Mayor Billy Hewes appointed Papania the chief administrative officer.

He dedicated 33 years to public service.

Papania did not give a reason for retiring, but Hewes told News 25 that Papania had new opportunities coming his way.

“Leonard is one of the most remarkable leaders I’ve ever worked with, and it’s going to be a loss to the city. But, we are fortunate to have his service as long as we did. He just got to the point where he had done as much as he thought he could do as far as being effective,” Mayor Hewes said, “And he built a heck of a team, and he leaves a remarkable legacy. He has some other opportunities out there, but he has a heart for community service, and we haven’t seen the last of Leonard Papania, thank goodness.”

Papania will retire at the end of this year.