By Emma Longwell, Interning Correspondent for The Apopka Voice
The City of Apopka is ushering in a new era of leadership with the appointment of three key officials across major departments. Vlad Simonovski has been named City Engineer, Momtaz Barq will serve as Public Works Director, and Dr. Lovetta Quinn-Henry has been appointed as Deputy Chief of the Apopka Police Department.
Simonovski brings over 20 years of experience in civil engineering and infrastructure development. His career includes a range of roles, with a strong focus on urban planning, utility management, and large-scale infrastructure projects. Before joining Apopka, he served as Development Review Engineering Manager for Seminole County, where he managed land development projects and infrastructure improvements. He also held the position of Utility Design Manager for the City of Apopka, contributing to the city’s water and wastewater projects.
"He has the wealth and knowledge that we really need right now," said Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson.
Momtaz Barq brings experience and technical expertise to his new role as the Public Works Director. Currently serving as the CEO and Director of Engineering at Terra-Max Engineering Inc., Barq has successfully overseen operations in both Florida and Texas, leading multi-location teams in the development of engineering procedures and applications. His leadership has driven efficiency improvements, resource scheduling, and project management across various sectors, from hydrology and groundwater modeling to hydraulic system design and land development planning. Barq’s career spans a variety of high-profile positions, including his role as Vice President/Director of Engineering at OES Environmental, Inc., where he managed operations in multiple states and developed standard procedures (SOPs) to optimize productivity. His tenure as Chief Engineer at Orange County Public Works further honed his leadership skills, where he managed over 600 personnel and supervised $25 million in construction and maintenance contracts.
In the City Council meeting on Wednesday, March 19th, Joseph Patton, Human Resources Director, introduced Barq to the council, to which Barq stated, “I’m very glad to be here and I really appreciate the opportunity.”
Dr. Lovetta Quinn-Henry has been named Deputy Police Chief of the Apopka Police Department, bringing over 30 years of criminal justice leadership to this role. Quinn-Henry has a track record in both administrative and operational capacities. She has dedicated her career to improving law enforcement practices, with a specialization in life safety strategies, risk management, and law enforcement partnerships. She most recently served as Deputy Chief at the Orlando Police Department, where she managed a $22 million budget and played a pivotal role in strategic planning and the optimization of police services.
Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Liberty University, a master's in public administration from Troy University, and a bachelor's in criminal justice from Columbia College. She is also a graduate of the FBI Federal Executive Development Seminar and has completed numerous certifications in law enforcement leadership. Quinn-Henry's appointment as Deputy Chief is the result of a thorough selection process, which included interviews with senior police staff and Mayor Nelson. She was chosen for her extensive experience, leadership abilities, and strong community ties. As she transitions into her new role, Quinn-Henry will work closely with McKinley, who plans to retire in 2025, ensuring a seamless leadership transition and a continued commitment to the growth and safety of Apopka.
“I want to say thank you all for allowing me to stand before the council tonight,” Quinn-Henry said. “I’m super proud to say that this comes full circle.”
Upon APD Chief Michael McKinley's retirement, Quinn-Henry will become the APD's first female chief.
