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Tuesday, Sep. 30, 2008

New Macon CAO to be on job in early November

Macon's new chief administrative officer should start work about the beginning of November, officials said Monday.

Mayor Robert Reichert has picked Thomas Thomas, the assistant administrator of Dougherty County, for the job. Thomas' selection comes after a nearly six-month search for a new CAO. Unlike department heads, Thomas' hiring does not need to be approved by City Council. He will start his job here after leaving Albany at the end of October.

"We're all excited about him coming," Reichert said. Thomas was his top choice among a final field of four to six finalists for a job that attracted applicants from across the Southeast.

"He's a remarkable blend, I think, of education, experience and personality," Reichert said of why he thought Thomas stood out. "He's kind of a no-frills kind of guy but talks to you in a very direct, easy to understand manner. Pulls no punches, doesn't try to put on airs, doesn't try to blow smoke. ... We just kind of hit it off."

Thomas has a bachelor's degree in political science from Valdosta State University and a master's degree in public administration from Georgia College & State University, according to his rŽsumŽ. He worked for the cities of Tallahassee, Fla.; Rockville, Md.; Largo, Fla.; Pinellas Park, Fla., and in some private sector positions before starting in Albany in 2003.

Thomas on Monday said he recently started looking to move up, and the Macon job was a good opportunity. Thomas said he was attracted by Reichert's vision for the city and his background in government. He also was intrigued by Macon's central location in the state, the large population the city serves and its growth potential.

"It's a dynamic environment," he said. "I like the challenge of it, and I like the opportunity."

Macon has been without a permanent CAO for some time, and the position had become a revolving door under former Mayor Jack Ellis.

Thomas said when he first gets to Macon, he hopes to take a few weeks to gain a greater understanding of how each city department operates and to meet individually with each council member.

"From that, you begin to develop ideas, concepts, directions you'd like to go in," he said.

Mike Anthony, director of Macon's Parks and Recreation Department, currently serves as interim CAO.

He has acted in that capacity since the fall of 2006, and Reichert credits his work there for allowing his administration to take nine months before hiring a permanent replacement.

After working a week or so with Thomas, Reichert said, Anthony is expected to return to his parks and recreation position.

To contact writer Matt Barnwell, call 744-4251.