The City of Clarkesville is getting ready to welcome its new city manager.
The City Council hired Keith Dickerson for the job earlier this month. He was the lone finalist among four candidates interviewed for the position. The city reportedly received over 100 applications.
Dickerson currently serves as City Administrator of McDonough, Georgia, where he has worked for the past 15 years.
“The Council unanimously chose Keith after going through a thorough review and interview process with him and several other very qualified candidates,” a statement from Clarkesville City Hall says.
Dickerson served as McDonough’s Wastewater Plant Manager and Public Works Director prior to assuming the position as Administrator in 2015.
Clarkesville Mayor Barrie Aycock says Dickerson’s experience was a big selling point. She says, “he is familiar with our government and already knows people in many of the state agencies that we deal with.” Mayor Aycock adds that Dickerson’s experience with wastewater plant management “will be invaluable to us as we begin the renovation of our Wastewater plant in 2020.”
Aycock adds that Dickerson is experienced in municipal finance and expressed a “strong interest in being visible in the community, meeting with civic groups and business owners to hear their concerns.”
Based on the reaction to his resignation in McDonough it appears their loss will be Clarkesville’s gain.
The City of McDonough posted a notice to its Facebook page announcing Dickerson’s decision to leave and its search for his successor. The post states that Dickerson is relocating to be closer to family. It goes on to say, “We might be a bit biased, but it seems fair to say there will be ‘big shoes to fill’ as Keith has been a tremendous asset to our great City and will be sorely missed!”
One person who commented on the post said, ” ‘Big shoes to fill’ doesn’t adequately describe this loss…the entire area will feel his absence.”
Others commended Dickerson for the work he has done in McDonough. Monterey Thompson wrote, “Wow! what a wonderful job he has done for us!” And Amanda Reeves added, “He will be missed.”
In addition to his public administration experience, Dickerson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from Kansas State University.
He succeeds former Clarkesville City Manager Barbara Kesler who resigned in August. His first day on the job in Clarkesville will be January 2, 2020.
