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Under New Management

City of Heath welcomes new City Manager after nationwide search

City of Heath welcomes new City Manager after nationwide search

New City Manager Aretha Adams was welcomed to Heath during a community reception held prior to a City Council meeting last month.

COURTESY: Suzanne Brooks/City of Heath

Adams was hired by the Heath City Council following an extensive national search. Adams officially joined the City staff on May 6. “I’m honored to have been selected City Manager of this amazing community,” said Adams. “The opportunity to work alongside a Mayor and Council with a cohesive, dynamic vision for the community while leading and partnering with a talented and dedicated team of employees is a dream. So many great things are on the horizon, and my overriding goal is to make sure we deliver with professionalism, reliable processes and unparalleled customer service to contribute to a high quality of life.”

Adams brings more than 12 years of municipal management experience, including most recently serving as Town Manager of the Town of Sykesville, Maryland. Prior to her tenure in Sykesville, she served in city administration with the Cities of Corinth, Lancaster, and McKinney. Adams’ education includes a Master’s degree in Public Administration from American University, Washington, DC, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida A&M University.

Recognized by peers as a highly ethical and organized professional, Adams has extensive expertise in all facets of municipal management including strategic planning, budget development and management, capital project planning, economic development, personnel management, grants administration, internal services and legislative affairs.

Some of Adams’ key accomplishments while serving as Town Manager of Sykesville, which was named the Coolest Small Town in America in 2016, include leading the Council in a successful strategic planning process, resulting in the first strategic plan in over a decade. She revamped numerous internal policies and procedures, developed the first-ever work plans for all departments, and modernized performance management.

“Serving people through local government is truly my passion, and I have learned that behind every good community are wonderful citizens,” said Adams. “I cannot wait to serve the great people of Heath, and want to meet as many as possible.  Every citizen, visitor and business owner in the City can trust that I am always available and willing to discuss their interests. Stop by or give me a call anytime!”

Adams is an active member of the International City County Management Association (ICMA) and an ICMA Local Government Management Fellow. She has served as Commissioner for the McKinney Arts Commission, a Board member of Volunteer McKinney and a teen parent mentor for Alley’s House. Adams and her husband, Damien, have been married for 6 years and have four children.

You can reach Adams at (972) 771-6228 or [email protected].