The Athens-Clarke County Commission confirmed Bob Cowell, Mayor Kelly Girtz’s nominee for county manager, at a called meeting last week.
In selecting Cowell from among about 60 applicants, Girtz cited his experience with housing in college towns and running mid-sized, diverse cities like Athens. The Missouri native previously worked as a planner in the communities surrounding Indiana University and Texas A&M, and was the assistant city manager in Amarillo, TX and city manager in Roanoke, VA.
“I believe he has particular skills and experience that are particularly relevant to our community at this precise point in time,” Commissioner Melissa Link said.
But Cowell’s tenure in Roanoke came to a questionable end last year when he resigned after facing criticism for his handling of complaints about the way an assistant city manager treated female employees. Instead of firing the assistant, Cowell demoted him and allowed him to retire.
Girtz and Carol Myers, one of three commissioners who served on the selection committee, said they were happy with Cowell’s explanation of the controversy. “He certainly impressed prior colleagues, given the number of emails from direct colleagues and community partners I’ve received upon his public nomination,” Girtz said.
“What really got me, persuaded me in a very positive way, was the way that Bob… was able to handle questions about that directly,” Myers said.
The vote to ratify Cowell’s appointment was 8–1, with Commissioner Stephanie Johnson opposed and Commissioner Ovita Thornton abstaining. Both said they felt Cowell was the best choice, but they disagreed with the process.
“The process was not in depth for me,” Thornton said, comparing it to the search that brought controversial school superintendent Demond Means to Athens. “I’ve been through two national searches on the school board,” she said. “One of them was fantastic. The [second] was straight from hell.”
Johnson said her constituents wanted a chance to meet Cowell before the vote. Prior to Girtz announcing him as sole finalist, Cowell met with commissioners and a few dozen select members of the public. “I received tons, scores of emails that asked me to ask for more time,” Johnson said. “I know I can’t do that. I’ve already tried that. That’s not on the table.”
Commissioner Dexter Fisher, who also served on the selection committee, said this process was more transparent than previous ones. “What usually happens is the mayor finds someone on their own, brings them to the commission and tells you to vote,” he said.
Cowell will start work on July 28, more than a year after then-manager Blaine Williams’ surprise resignation. Since then, former deputy manager Niki Jones, retired planning director Brad Griffin and current county attorney Judd Drake have served as interim manager.
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