The Mayor and City Council have narrowed the field of candidates for the position of Interim Chief Administrative Officer to one candidate, Billy Preston Beckett.

Beckett has served in local government administration for more than thirty years. During his career he has successfully managed communities in four states, ranging in population from 15,000 to 150,000 residents. As a professional government manager who previously possessed credentialed status with the International City/County Managers Association, he operates firmly and effectively within the context of a team and goal oriented environment.

He holds a bachelor of arts in geography and sociology from Concord College in Athens, W.V., and a master of urbanaffairs, public management from Virginia Tech. He is a member of several professional associations which includes the American Society for Public Administration, American Waterworks Association, Georgia Association of City & County Managers, Georgia Association of County Administrators, Georgia Association of Regional Development Centers, Georgia Finance Officers Association, Government Finance Officers Association, International City/County Managers Association, International Association of Municipal Clerks, National Association of County Administrators and Public Risk Management Association. Beckett currently resides in Peachtree City,

Beckett has the experience, background and education to perform the duties of Interim Chief Administrative Officer. Mayor Barry Blount and the City Council look forward to working with Beckett as he serves in this interim position until a permanent City Manager is appointed.