Directory Profile

Hardin Watkins is a Public Service Faculty Member at the Institute of Government focused on local government education, training, and leadership development. He frequently teaches courses on council-manager relations, governance, foundational civic principles, public values, emotional intelligence, and emergency management topics to local government audiences. He serves as Program Manager for the Holtz Municipal Training Institute, the Georgia City-County Management Association (GCCMA), the Georgia Recreation & Park Association, and UGA’s MPA Professional Skills Series. He provides staff support to the Georgia Municipal Training Board and the GCCMA Program Planning Committee. His previous experience includes 32 years in local government leadership, including 23 years as a City Manager in Burlington and Garner, North Carolina, and in Suwanee. He is a credentialed manager recognized by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and has completed leadership development programs at the University of North Carolina and UGA.