The Athens-Clarke Commission approved Mayor Kelly Girtz’s recommendation to appoint Brad Griffin as interim manager.
Griffin retired in June 2024 after 24 years as the director of the Athens-Clarke County Planning Department. Officials approved the appointment at the County Regular Session voting meeting on Jan. 7.
“In his time as Planning Director, Brad Griffin established exemplary relationships with elected officials, peers across departments, and members of the public,” Girtz said in a release. “He holds a deep well of knowledge about local government operations and will maintain the positive direction we established under earlier managers.”
As planning director, Griffin interacted frequently with the Manager’s Office, the Mayor and Commission, community members, and other ACCGov departments. A native of Warner Robins, Georgia, he worked in the Planning Department while attending the University of Georgia and joined the department full-time in 1992.
“Although I am enjoying retirement, I was honored to be considered for the Interim Manager position during this transition period,” Griffin said in a release. “I am grateful to help serve the community, ACCGov, and our employees again in this new capacity.”
Griffin will take over as interim manager when current Acting Manager Niki Jones leaves on Jan. 17 for a position with Raleigh, North Carolina. In early 2025, a national search will begin for a permanent manager, who will be recommended to the mayor and commission for Girtz’s approval.
