Athens-Clarke County Unified Government Assistant Manager Jestin Johnson has resigned effective June 12, 2019 to accept a position as the Deputy Chief Operating Officer with the City of Atlanta. In this position, Johnson will assist the City of Atlanta's Chief Operating Officer in planning and directing City operations and functions as assigned by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Prior to joining Athens-Clarke County in July 2016, Johnson had served as Manager for Bisbee, AZ. An Atlanta native, Johnson started his public service career as a Policy Analyst in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget for the State of Georgia. He also worked as Deputy City Administrator for the City of McDonough, GA and as the Operations Coordinator for CH2M Hill OMI in Milton, GA. Johnson also served four years in the United States Air Force from 1996-2000.

"Jestin has created a great deal of positive change for this government, particularly in the way he has connected with both employees and residents," said Athens-Clarke County Manager Blaine Williams. "He was instrumental in developing several key legacy initiatives such as the Citizens Government Academy, Innovation Ambassadors, and Mayor’s Youth Commission that are helping residents and employees become more engaged with their local government now and into the future."

Manager Williams and Assistant Manager Deborah Lonon will assume Johnson's duties and share oversight of his departments until a permanent replacement is named to fill the position. 

"Working with the Mayor and Commission, the Manager's Office, department directors, staff across the Unified Government, and this community has been extraordinarily valuable professional experience," said Johnson. "I’m grateful for the patience, candor, and honesty employees entrusted with me as we worked together to make decisions to benefit the community both now and in the future. I will honestly miss the genuine relationships that I’ve developed organically since I arrived in 2016. While I am excited to have the opportunity to serve in a similar capacity in my home city, I will always be grateful for the opportunities to spread my wings and grow professionally here in Athens-Clarke County."