Public Works Director Takes Job In Forsyth County

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — Sandy Springs will soon bid farewell to a familiar face tasked with ensuring the city's public infrastructure meets the high standards its residents have come to expect. Garrin Coleman, the city's public works director, has been hired by Forsyth County to serve as its first assistant county manager.

Coleman will oversee Forsyth's Engineering, Recycling & Solid Waste, Fleet Services and Public Facilities departments. He will also serve as the executive manager for all transportation related activities and responsibilities, and will be the county’s key contact with the Georgia Department of Transportation.

City Manager John McDonough recognized Coleman at the City Council's March 20 meeting for his several years of service to the city of Sandy Springs (For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here).

Coleman was named director of public works in Sandy Springs in 2012. Before that, he served as deputy director of the department, capital program manager and the contracted Transportation Planning Division manager for Sandy Springs, and worked as a land development manager with Lowes Engineers, LLC.

“Transportation is without question a major focus for Forsyth County government,” said County Manager Eric Johnson. “The new assistant county manager position was created to provide a central point-of-contact between Forsyth County and entities such as the Georgia Department of Transportation, Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, Development Authority of Forsyth County and the city of Cumming regarding regional transportation development efforts. Garrin brings to this position a wide variety of experience and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the staff.”

Coleman has a bachelor's degree in biological engineering from The University of Georgia and an MBA in real estate from Georgia State University. He is a Georgia professional civil engineer, a Georgia land surveyor in training and a GSWCC Level II certified designer. He is a member of the American Public Works Association and the Institute of Transportation Engineers.

Coleman's first day on the job with Forsyth County will be April 9. City spokesperson Sharon Kraun said "it's important that we fill the position with the right person," so the city's timeline in replacing Coleman, who is "leaving big shoes to fill," will meet that goal.

Image via city of Sandy Springs