Brandon Douglas, Deputy City Manager
What is your main responsibility?
Assist the city manager and represent him in his absence. Currently, my predominant responsibilities involve assistance in the development department, which consists of building inspections, code compliance, planning and zoning, economic development and geographic information systems.
When were you hired, and what is your background?
I was hired in August 2021 and began my tenure with the city in October 2021. I had previously worked for the city of Acworth in the same capacity from March 2007 until February 2019. I began working as the city manager in Jasper in February 2019 and served in that capacity for 32 months. Prior to my work in city management, I was a planner for a regional commission and served as a research analyst in graduate school. I had a brief stint — less than two years — working in the private sector after undergraduate school. I obtained a bachelor’s in political science and a Master of Public Administration from Georgia College and State University.
Why did you want to work for the city of Acworth?
My desire to return to Acworth was multifaceted; however, the primary reasoning was to be of value to the organization and to assist in the transition of leadership.
What has been the biggest surprise to you about your job?
I am pleased — but not all that surprised — with the talent that has been assembled by way of personnel in various leadership roles and the depth with which the elected officials and city manager have assembled to serve the community.
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy being part of a team that serves each day and strives to make a difference. I am a generalist through education and experience, and my broad-based duties have provided me with unique insight and experiences in an array of governmental services. No matter how regimented the day may be intended, working in local government is different each day.
What sets Acworth apart from other cities and communities? What makes it special?
Acworth is a community that cares. From the citizens to the visitors to the community leaders, all persons have a genuine desire to do good and to do things right. Ultimately, everyone is working toward the same goal of enhancing the quality of life for the Acworth community and to ensure that we leave it better than when we found it.
What can residents expect to see happen in Acworth in terms of future growth and development?
It is the direction of the elected leaders to ensure that we continue to foster quality growth in both new development and redevelopment/revitalization — creating a strategy of sustainability and working toward enhancing our gateway corridors from Interstate 75 to Cobb Parkway, as well as continual work along Main Street (north to south). There is and will be an intentionality of providing a positive environment to allow this to occur through partnerships with our stakeholders; i.e., Downtown Development Authority, Historic Preservation Commission, tourism, Acworth Business Association, citizen groups, lake authority, etc.
What are your goals, both personally and professionally?
Professionally, I intend to continue to be of value to the organization and to grow in the profession through networking and continuing credits towards maintaining my credentialed manager status through the International City/County Management Association. A personal/professional ambition is to lead and influence younger generations of city leaders and to transition into academia to teach, which is my original goal and dream.
Tell us about your family and hobbies.
My identity is in Christ, and as husband to my beautiful wife and father to my amazing daughter. I love hiking, biking, reading, golfing and anything that allows a connection to the outdoors.
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