City of Savannah, GA
09/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/09/2024 09:45
City Elevates Members of Team Savannah to Acting Chief Positions
______________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 9, 2024
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
City Elevates Members of Team Savannah to Acting Chief Positions
SAVANNAH - The City of Savannah has made interim appointments to two leadership roles following the departure of Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd and Chief of Information and Public Affairs Bret Bell who recently accepted city manager positions with Pooler and Tybee Island, respectively.
Melissa Carter, the Office of Management and Budget Director, will serve as the Acting Chief Operating Officer leading Management Services which oversees the Office of Financial Services, Human Resources, Management and Budget, Performance and Accountability, Risk Management, Real Estate Services, and Capital Projects.
Joseph Shearouse, Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Director, will serve as the Acting Chief of Information and Public Affairs which oversees Municipal Archives, Office of Public Communications, Innovation and Technology, and Recorder's Court.
The interim appointments are effective immediately. A national search will be conducted to fill the roles permanently.
"I am incredibly proud to lead Team Savannah and our outstanding members who devote so much time and effort to being great public servants," City Manager Joseph A. Melder said. "We will sincerely miss Heath Lloyd and Bret Bell, who served Savannah with integrity, passion, and excellence for so many years. Team Savannah has All Stars waiting in the wings throughout our organization. Melissa and Joe will help fill critical positions in our organization and keep our government moving forward as we plan for the future."
Carter has worked for the City of Savannah for 18 years and has over 20 years of experience in governmental policies and financial planning. Prior to serving the City of Savannah, Carter worked in the federal government within the Department of Defense, Veteran's Health Administration and the Morale, Welfare and Recreation's Financial Management Division in Europe.
Shearouse has served the City of Savannah for 12 years. As the Director of Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs, Shearouse has led the City's major policy and legislative initiatives around issues such as transportation, housing, homelessness, innovation, and municipal finance on the federal, local, and state level.
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