Acworth Development Director
What are your main responsibilities?
I am responsible for planning, coordinating, recommending and implementing the strategies, activities and operations of the city’s development department. This includes overseeing every development project from conception to completion, from when a project has the initial vision, all the way to celebrating by way of a ribbon cutting. The development department consists of five divisions: economic development (business recruitment, retention, expansion and redevelopment efforts), planning and zoning, geographic information systems, building inspection services and code compliance.
What is your background?
I was hired in March 2019 as the assistant to the city manager. Since then, I’ve grown in my role with the city, transitioning to the economic development manager and now to the development director. Prior to Acworth, I served as the special projects coordinator for planning and development for the city of Powder Springs for two years. I hold a Master of Public Administration degree and a Bachelor of Science in sport management from Kennesaw State University. I am also a GSWCC Level II certified plan reviewer, and I am currently participating in the Leadership Cobb program Class of 2023.
What has been the biggest surprise?
The biggest surprise to me since joining the city team is the amazing culture we have here, led by our mayor, city council and city manager. We have an extraordinary team in place that loves serving our community while continuing to strive for excellence in leading our individual teams and serving our citizens, businesses and visitors. Additionally, our partnerships with our businesses and faith-based community are particularly strong, which augments our city’s vision to provide a high quality of life and a live, work and play environment.
What is the most unusual request you’ve had?
The most typical unusual request (or complaint) my team receives is how much livestock (horses, roosters, chickens, goats, etc.) can a resident have on their property. We typically advise them on our ordinance requirements for livestock and resolve any uncertainties they may have.
What do you like most about your job?
I love the opportunity to serve the community and my team. The city of Acworth has a culture of servant leadership and is very team-oriented. Acworth is a very special place, with a very tight-knit community that really cares about how it grows together and maintains its high quality of life. I look forward to continuing to work toward building the quality of life in the city of Acworth.
What are you most excited about for the future?
The project I’m most excited about is the Logan redevelopment project off Exit 278 on Interstate 75. If approved by the mayor and council, this will be the largest scale and most transformative project the city has ever undertaken, consisting of two 100,000-square-foot medical office facilities, a 180-room hotel, 500 apartment units, 11,312 square feet of retail businesses and a 15,188-square-foot restaurant. This project would change the dynamic of the community and serve as a major catalyst/gateway into the downtown area.
What are your personal and professional goals?
My main goal is to continue to develop my leadership abilities and in my current role as the development director. I also strive to mentor and serve my team members as they continue to grow in their respective roles. Moreover, I desire to enhance our department and take it to the next level to better serve our residents, businesses and visitors while providing quality, uninterrupted services.
Tell us about your family and hobbies.
I have a beautiful wife, Natalia, who works for the Georgia Department of Public Health in the northern district. I am blessed enough to still have both of my parents, Lilly and Angel, whom I admire very much and enjoy spending time with. My hobbies include traveling the world with my wife, playing sports with my friends and spending time with my family.
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