The search for a new Forsyth County manager to replace the departing Doug Derrer begins in earnest next week. The Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the county’s administration building, 110 E. Main St., Cumming to set out a framework, timeline and list of qualifications for a new top administrator.
Derrer has served as county manager since 2009 and is set to call it a career in April. Dave Wills, the government relations manager for the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia passed on some dos and don’ts for filling the position during a recent commission meeting.
Wills advised the group to settle on a firm search process and timeline before accepting applications — a mistake that’s been made elsewhere, he said. He also suggested that Commissioners go well beyond a paper resume, considering such things as temperment and negotiating skills. And he said that if a candidate currently works for a smaller governmental entity, that shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
Wills indicated Forsyth could easily get 50 to 75 applicants for the job.
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