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Retired Air Force lieutenant colonel to head Atlanta procurement

David Wilson II
David Wilson II
By Stephen Deere
June 28, 2018

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on Thursday appointed retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David L. Wilson II to the position of chief procurement officer.

The chief procurement officer oversees city contracting and purchasing. The city’s former procurement officer, Adam Smith, pleaded guilty in January to accepting at least $44,000 in bribes.

He was sentenced to 27 months in prison, a reduced term because Smith had cooperated with a federal corruption investigation at City Hall.

VIDEO: Previous coverage on Adam Smith

Prosecutors say Adam Smith took $44,000 in bribes.

The position has been filled on an interim basis since Feb. 21, 2017, when former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed fired Smith just before FBI agents seized his city issued phone and computer.

Wilson was stationed at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center at Robins Air Force Base where he served as the deputy division chief for the Installation Contracting Division.

According to a press release from Bottoms’ office, Wilson has been an awarded a Bronze Star for meritorious service; supported 40 diverse organizations that managed $1.2 billion in commodity, service and construction contracts; and consistently led teams recognized by the Air Force for outstanding contracting and management.

Wilson joined the Air Force in 1998.

“As we continue to ensure transparency and fairness in our business operations, I am proud that someone of Wilson’s caliber will join our Administration,” Bottoms said in a statement.

About the Author

Stephen Deere covers Atlanta City Hall and Atlanta government.

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