CEDArTOWN — The Cedartown City Commission has named Charles Akridge, of Moultrie, as the new City Manager. "We conducted an extensive search and considered more than forty candidates," said Commission Chairman Larry Odom. "All of the Commissioners were very pleased to find such an experienced young man to take over the city’s operations. Also, the City Commission extends its thanks to our Interim City Manager Tommy Engram for his service over the past year," Odom continued.

Akridge has served as Project Coordinator for the City of Moultrie and as Assistant City Manager for the Cities of Acworth and Fairburn. Subsequently, he worked as the County Planning Director for Worth County, where he was promoted to County Administrator. Akridge moved on to be both County Manager and Planning Director in fast-growing Camden County and most recently he managed the Turner County government.

Akridge said that he intends to do a lot of listening during his first days on the job. Calling himself an "employee advocate," he is looking forward to working with the city staff. "The City Commissioners have told me that we have an excellent work force and dedicated managers," said Akridge. "I know that the recession has hit the city hard, but I am sure we can find a way to retain and attract the high-quality people we need to provide the services that the people of Cedartown expect and deserve. We anticipate doing more with less. Fiscal integrity and customer service are my highest priorities," he continued.

Akridge is a graduate of Colquitt County High School in Moultrie. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from Valdosta State University. He has recently relocated from Moultrie and presently resides in Cedartown.