About Upson County:
Founded in 1824, Upson County is situated in west-central Georgia and is home to approximately 27,000 residents. The county seat, Thomaston, is recognized for its Southern charm, lively downtown, and proximity to natural attractions such as Sprewell Bluff Park and the Flint River. Upson County harmonizes tradition with progress, boasting a strong agricultural heritage, a growing manufacturing sector, and a dedication to quality of life. This creates a distinctive opportunity for a visionary leader to make a lasting impact.

The Position: County Manager
The County Manager serves as Upson County's chief administrative officer, appointed by and accountable to the Board of Commissioners. This executive-level role encompasses the comprehensive management of county operations, ensuring the efficient and effective implementation of Board policies and directives. The outgoing County Manager, who has seven years of dedicated service, is leaving in excellent standing and will remain on staff until July 25, 2025, to facilitate a seamless leadership transition.

The Board of Commissioners is characterized by its stability, professionalism, and highly collaborative culture. The Board strongly supports the County Manager form of government and is committed to upholding the principle of a politics-administration dichotomy. This structure allows the County Manager to operate with professional independence while executing the policy direction set by the Board.

Key Responsibilities:
• Direct and coordinate the activities of all county departments and agencies under the Board’s jurisdiction.
• Develop and administer the county’s annual operating and capital budgets.
• Provide professional advice and policy recommendations to the Board of Commissioners.
• Oversee personnel management, including hiring, training, and performance evaluation.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and county policies.
• Represent the county in intergovernmental relations, public meetings, and community events.
• Lead strategic planning and organizational development initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• At least 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in local government management or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, personnel management, and intergovernmental relations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of Georgia local government operations and statutory requirements is highly desirable.

Ideal Candidate Profile:
• A collaborative and transparent leader who values community engagement.
• A strategic thinker with a track record of innovation and results.
• A skilled communicator who can build consensus and foster partnerships.
• A resilient and ethical professional committed to public service excellence.

Compensation & Benefits:
• Starting Salary Range: $150,000 – $170,000, depending on qualifications and benefits package.
• Benefits Package: Includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, and participation in the ACCG Senior Management Retirement Plan 401(a) 7% with no matching requirement and no vesting (redemption) requirement.
• Relocation Assistance: Up to $8,000 may be provided to support a successful transition for the selected candidate.

Community Profile:
Upson County spans approximately 333 square miles, making it the 84th largest among Georgia’s 159 counties. As of 2023, the county had an estimated population of 28,263. Thomaston serves as the county seat, with Yatesville being the other incorporated municipality within the county.
The County is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners, with members elected to staggered four-year terms. The Chairman is elected at-large, while the remaining four commissioners are elected by district. The County Manager, appointed by the Board, oversees daily operations and personnel decisions. This position was formally established in 1995 by local act, underscoring the county’s commitment to professional administration.

Upson County provides a full spectrum of local government services, including:
• Law enforcement and pretrial detention
• Planning, zoning, code enforcement, animal control and building inspection
• Parks and recreational programs, county archives
• Fire protection and emergency medical services (EMS)
• Solid waste collection and disposal
• Court services
• Utility services, including water and wastewater
• Senior Services

With a strong foundation in governance and service delivery, Upson County offers a stable and supportive environment for its next County Manager.

Economic Development:
Upson County is dedicated to fostering a diverse and resilient economy that supports both existing businesses and new investment. Its strategic location in west-central Georgia, within driving distance of Atlanta, Macon, and Columbus, provides a competitive advantage for industries seeking access to major markets, a skilled workforce, and a supportive business environment.
The county’s economic development initiatives are driven by a collaborative approach involving the Upson County Board of Commissioners, the Thomaston-Upson Industrial Development Authority, and regional partners.

Key sectors include:
• Advanced Manufacturing: Upson County has a strong industrial base with potential for expansion, home to companies like Interfor and Quad/Graphics.
• Healthcare: Upson Regional Medical Center is a significant employer and a regional hub for healthcare services.
• Agribusiness: With deep agricultural roots, the county supports agribusiness innovation and sustainability.
• Small Business & Entrepreneurship: The county encourages local entrepreneurship through business-friendly policies and access to resources.

Upson County offers:
• Available industrial sites and buildings
• Workforce development partnerships with Southern Crescent Technical College and local schools
• Incentives and support for business relocation and expansion
• A pro-business climate with low taxes and streamlined permitting with a focus on sustainable growth, job creation, and quality of life.

Challenges and Opportunities
• Land Use Regulation Reform: Upson County is modernizing its land use and zoning codes to guide development while preserving community character.
• Growth Management: The County is experiencing increased development interest. The Manager will lead efforts to update the Comprehensive Plan and guide responsible growth that protects Upson’s rural charm.
• Capital Planning and Facilities Investment: Upson County is planning major investments in infrastructure, including facility consolidation and renovation, and upgrades to parks and recreational assets.
• Capital Project Delivery: Timely, cost-effective delivery of capital projects is critical. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in public project oversight, procurement, and coordination.
• Organizational Development: The next County Manager will strengthen internal capacity through staff development, process improvement, and a performance-based culture.
• Community Engagement and Transparency: The County values civic involvement and transparent governance. The Manager will enhance two-way communication and increase public trust.