Writer: Dean Dyer
Published April 13, 2022
Now Habersham
The City of Cleveland has announced that Kevin Harris has been named the sole finalist for the position of City Administrator. The Cleveland City Council voted on Tuesday afternoon, following an executive session, to name Harris as the sole finalist.
Harris currently serves as the Government Affairs Director for the Georgia Department of Human Services where he coordinates all legislative efforts for the department and its programs including the Department of Family and Children Services. Additionally, he is the point of contact for the agency during the budget process where the agency is appropriated over $1.9 billion. Harris previously served as the Deputy Executive Director of the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency and as the Economic Development Director for the Fannin County Development Authority.
Early in his career, Harris was a part of the Cleveland community when he served on the Faculty and as Department Chair of Government at Truett McConnell University.
Mayor Josh Turner said “We are thrilled to have Kevin Harris joining the City Hall staff as City Administrator. His vast experience and management within local and state government make him an ideal candidate. The City Council and I look forward to working with Mr. Harris as we continue to make Cleveland a great place to work, live, and raise a family.”
Turner said they received several applications for the position and they narrowed those down to three. Following the interviews with the top three, they selected Harris.
Harris received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration degrees from the University of Georgia and is a Certified Public Manager through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government.
“I’m excited for the opportunity and can’t wait to get to work for the City of Cleveland. I respect the deep heritage of the city and look forward to working with the Mayor and City Council for what the future has to bring,” Harris said.
Harris’s first day as City Administrator will be May 2.
The City Administrator position was left vacant when the City Council appointed Tom O’Bryant to a new position reporting directly to the Mayor and Council as Director of Economic Development and Planning with responsibilities to include directing the economic development of the city.
