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 chief operating officer.
Current COO Duriya Farooqui announced last month plans to Jan. 31 for the private sector.
“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 issued Tuesday. “I’m confident he will work well with our senior leadership team to continue leading initiatives within city operations, including public safety.”
Deputy COO Hans Utz, who made headlines in December for using racially insensitive language regarding the Atlanta Braves’ departure for the suburbs, will share his position with Tom Weyandt and Kristin Wilson.
Weyandt, a longtime City Hall staffer, has served as Reed’s senior transportation policy adviser. Wilson joined the administration in 2011 as the director of the Innovation Delivery Team.
Geisler, the chief financial officer of the Department of Watershed Management, joined the city in 2012. He will serve in Farooqui’s role as Mayor Kasim Reed’s administration launches a national search for a permanent replacement, according to a press release issued Tuesday.
It’s the latest in Reed’s staffing changes as he heads into his second term. Last week the mayor announced a national search to replace Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Manager Louis Miller. Deputy manager Miguel Southwell is serving as the interim manager.
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