Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has named Michael Geisler the city’s chief operating officer.
Geisler has served as the city’s interim COO since the January departure of Duriya Farooqui.
Geisler, a certified public accountant, previously served as the chief financial officer of the Department of Watershed Management. He joined the city in 2012 after more than 40 years in the private sector, working as CFO for such companies as Johnson Controls World Services and U.S. Security Associates Holding.
“Mike Geisler’s strong financial and operational experience has been a tremendous asset to the city in his interim role for the past six months,” Reed said in a statement. “His deep understanding of finance, combined with his effective and efficient management, provides our team with the leadership necessary to accomplish my second term priorities.”
Geisler’s top goals include managing the redevelopment of several city assets, overseeing the launch of the Atlanta Streetcar later this year, and implementing cost-saving measures to help fund an infrastructure bond worth up to $250 million in 2015, pending voter approval, he and Reed said.
Geisler said city government is the most rewarding and varied work in his career.
“It’s a complex job, but it’s also a fascinating job and that appeals to my psyche,” he said Friday.
Part of the appeal, he said, is learning from his boss: Reed.
“Watching the major do the things he does, watching how he thinks has been well worth the price of admission,” Geisler said, later adding: “You’re respectful of him and the demands the job places on him, and you are here to provide support…”
The new COO is still adjusting to one very big difference from the private sector, he joked: “You make a mistake on the private side and it won’t be on the front page of the paper the next day.”
Geisler’s first major assignment came in January when a snowstorm left thousands of Atlantans in gridlock. But despite the chaos of that time, Geisler said the experience helped him connect with his new coworkers and departments as city leaders came together to manage the crisis.
“There was good that came out of that entire episode,” he said.
His appointment could be presented to the Atlanta City Council for confirmation next week.
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