The sole finalist to be Athens-Clarke County’s next manager has extensive experience in college-town government.
Robert “Bob” Cowell most recently served as city manager in Roanoke, VA, which is a similar size as Athens at 100,000 people within the city limits and a metro area population of 300,000. Previously, he was assistant city manager and interim manager in Amarillo, TX, executive director of planning and development services in College Station, TX (home of Texas A&M) and planning director in Monroe County, IN (home of Indiana University).
“Bob Cowell has spent lengthy and successful tenures in a number of large and complex cities, including several hosting major public universities,” Mayor Kelly Girtz said in a news release. “His thoughtful approach to staff support and community development will be an enormous asset to the Unified Government and to residents of Athens-Clarke County.”
Cowell has a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics with a specialization in administration from St. Louis University and a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Tennessee. He is a member of the Congress for the New Urbanism, a group of architects and urban planners that promotes walkable, mixed-use communities.
The recruitment process drew 50 candidates, which a committee of commissioners whittled down to four. Cowell emerged as the sole finalist following meetings with the mayor and commissioner and other stakeholders earlier this month.
“I want to thank the mayor and commission for their support,” Cowell said. “Athens-Clarke County is an exceptional place. I very much look forward to working with the mayor, the commission, ACCGov staff and community members to ensure Athens-Clarke County remains a vibrant community for all who call it home.”
Assuming the commission ratifies Girtz’s recommendation at a called meeting July 15—which should be a formality—Cowell is expected to start work July 28.
That’s more than a year after former manager Blaine Williams announced his resignation in June 2024. Deputy Manager Niki Jones filled in for six months, then left for a job in his native North Carolina. Girtz then brought former planning director Brad Griffin out of retirement to serve as acting manager, but he hit a limit on the number of hours a retired employee can work before a permanent manager was found. ACC Attorney Judd Drake is currently serving in the manager’s role.
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