NORCROSS (GWINNETT COUNTY), GA (OCTOBER 13, 2020) – The City of Norcross has a new city manager! At Monday night’s special called meeting, Mayor & Council voted to bring on Eric Johnson of Cumming, Georgia as Norcross City Manager, a position that goes into effect this morning, October 13th. Johnson succeeds long-time city manager Rudolph Smith, who retired this September after over 20 years in service to the city.
Johnson brings with him 26 years of experience in local government senior management, and most recently hails from Forsyth County where he has spent the last three years as County Manager, serving a population of 254,000 and overseeing 1,000 employees. As Forsyth County is the municipal service provider for 97% of county residents (as well as utility provider) and operates under a General Fund budget of $121 million, Johnson is amply prepared for the challenge of managing Norcross’ own 124 employees and population of 16,854, which includes the operation of a MEAG electric utility and budget of more than $36 million.
In addition to working with Forsyth County, Johnson spent a nearly 30-year career with Hillsborough County in Tampa, Florida, holding such positions as Assistant County Administrator, Director of Strategic Planning and ERP Implementation, Management Services Administrator, Director of Management and Budget, and Manager of Revenue and Forecasting. He has a Bachelor’s in Economics from the University of Florida, and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of South Florida. Furthermore, Johnson has been recognized for multiple awards and achievements, including:
- Picot B. Floyd Public Service Leadership Award, American Society for Public Administration Chapter
- Achievement Award, National Association of Counties
- Award for Excellence, Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada (GFOA)
- Breakthrough Award, Forsyth County United Way
- GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award (21 years)
Johnson’s greatest strength is in local government financial management, having developed material for national seminars that he has taught over a period of 20 years, and having chaired a national committee of budget directors and then served on the Executive Board of the Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada. He has developed more than two dozen financial policies based on best practices, implemented multi-year forecasting and monthly financial reporting, and received recognition for developing a guide to the budget for taxpayers. This specialization was of particular value to the City of Norcross during the hiring process, given the city has had the benefit of a financial-focused city manager for many years and truly appreciates the significance of what such a background brings to the table.
“I am at the stage of my career where I look for opportunities to have an impact—and quickly,” explained Johnson in his cover letter. “The opportunities for Norcross are endless: building a tax base to ensure the quality—and sustainability—of services the community deserves, redevelopment on key corridors, ensuring the long-term viability of the downtown, providing infrastructure and greenspace to address needs that aren’t the same in each character area, and collaborating with the county and schools to ensure the city’s efforts work as seamlessly with those other entities as possible. The city’s Imagination Proclamation presents even more of an opportunity for the community to effect change and emerge stronger and united.”
Having been granted the position, Johnson is now eager to jump in and begin putting his ideas and plans in action.
For more information on the City of Norcross, please visit norcrossga.net.
###
ABOUT THE CITY OF NORCROSS
Incorporated in 1870, the City of Norcross has been very busy securing a solid standing as both an eco-conscious community and world-class art district in the nearly century and a half since. Voted Gwinnett County’s “Best Arts & Cultural Scene” by Gwinnett Magazine, Norcross has become well known for its unconventional public arts projects. Norcross was recognized by the Atlanta Regional Commission as one of only three Platinum-Certified Green Communities in the region and was named a “Best Green Government” by Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and “Tree City USA” by The Arbor Day Foundation. The Sustainable Norcross Commission has earned regional applause for its efforts to spearhead the city’s local pro-environment practices. The city’s famed tree canopy, 13 parks and more than 31 acres of beautifully maintained public green space serve as popular gathering spaces for residents and visitors alike. A jam-packed calendar of events and eclectic collection of shops and restaurants serve to keep the historic downtown area bustling year-round. Creative souls from all walks of life are encouraged to “come unwind” and enjoy the positive energy that earns Norcross its reputation as “a place to imagine.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Pam Ledbetter, Communications & Marketing for the City of Norcross
pam.ledbetter@norcrossga.net
communication@norcrossga.net
678-421-2033