Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed announced a host of staffing changes Tuesday, naming Michael Geisler as interim chief operating officer and three people to share the role of deputy COO.
It's the latest in Reed's staffing changes as he heads into his second term. Both COO Duriya Farooqui and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Manager Louis Miller are leaving the administration this month.
“Michael Geisler brings a wealth of proven business, financial and leadership experience to the position that makes him a perfect fit for keeping the city of Atlanta moving forward,” Reed said in a statement Tuesday.
Geisler, the chief financial officer of the Department of Watershed Management, joined the city in 2012. He will serve in Farooqui’s role as Reed’s administration launches a national search for a permanent replacement, according to city officials.
Deputy COO Hans Utz, who made headlines in December for using racially insensitive language regarding the Atlanta Braves’ departure for the suburbs, will now split his position with Tom Weyandt and Kristin Wilson.
Weyandt, Reed’s senior transportation policy adviser, will oversee infrastructure, transportation planning and economic development initiatives.
Wilson, who joined the administration in 2011 as the director of the Innovation Delivery Team, will focus on projects such as the 311 Call Center, which will field calls from residents about city services, and revenue-generating strategies.
Utz will continue to oversee his current projects, Reed spokesman Carlos Campos said, which include working on the annual budget, vending and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Last week Reed announced a national search for Miller’s replacement as the head of the world’s busiest airport. Deputy manager Miguel Southwell is serving as the airport’s interim manager.
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