Three Chatham Co. munis searching for city managers. Here's where the searches stand

Destini Ambus, Savannah Morning News

Three Chatham County municipalities have been on the hunt for a new city manager after a string of resignations starting last September with former Tybee Island City Manager Shawn Gillen.

Gillen resigned after an extended leave of absence, during which Acting City Manager Michelle Owens has been fulfilling the city's administrative obligations.

In December 2023, former Pooler City Manager Robert Byrd resigned during an executive session after working for the city for more than 20 years. Pooler Director of Public Works Matthew Saxon has held the interim position since January.

In February, Garden City Manager Scott Robider resigned during an executive session to "seek new opportunities." Robider now works for the City of Port Wentworth as the police compliance and grant manager.

A city manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a city, and implements policy set by the council, bridging the gap between policy and implementation,. Experienced city managers are needed to address the rapid growth of West Chatham County, expected to be exacerbated by the Hyundai plant just down the road in north Bryan County.

Where do the searches stand now?

Gary Monroe leads a small group into Garden Citys City Hall, where he planned to speak during the city council meeting on Monday evening, June 15, 2020.
Gary Monroe leads a small group into Garden Citys City Hall, where he planned to speak during the city council meeting on Monday evening, June 15, 2020.

Garden City

Garden City has already found a new city manager in former city clerk Rhonda Ferrell-Bowles, who has been with the city since April 1993. Bowles was unanimously voted to the position of city manager during a special city council meeting last month, and is the first woman to hold this position in the city.

More: Former Garden City manager appointed to new position in a different Chatham Co. municipality

Pooler

Pooler has announced the selection of finalists for city manager, which includes Interim City Manager Matt Saxon.

Saxon began working with the city in 2007 as the director of public works, leading to his eventual appointment as assistant city manager in 2016. According to the city's website he also serves as chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The other finalists are Heath Lloyd, who currently serves as Savannah's assistant city manager, and Col. Bryan Logan, who recently served as a deputy commander for Joint Base San Antonio and was the vice commander of the 502nd Air Base Wing.

Lloyd has nearly two decades of local government experience, with master's degrees in public administration and civil engineering. As assistant city manager, Lloyd has various responsibilities, including the implementation of $170 million of Savannah's budget, and the supervision of 675 full-time employees, among other responsibilities.

Logan is transitioning from military service but most recently served as the Garrison Commander for Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. More information on Logan can be found here.

More: Judge rules separation agreement between Pooler and former city manager unlawful

Michelle Owens, interim Tybee Island City Manager, points out the high ceiling among the moveable DIRTT office system that has been added in the former theatre at the Tybee Island City Hall. An old drop ceiling was removed during renovations to expose the original high ceilings.
Michelle Owens, interim Tybee Island City Manager, points out the high ceiling among the moveable DIRTT office system that has been added in the former theatre at the Tybee Island City Hall. An old drop ceiling was removed during renovations to expose the original high ceilings.

Tybee Island

While the city has no names to release yet, Mayor Brian West said they are down to three finalists and will interview them June 26. If no decision is made this Wednesday, further interviews will be conducted next week.

More: Tybee Island city manager to resign

Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for Chatham County municipalities for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at dambus@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Here's where city manager searches stand for three Chatham Co. munis

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