CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Clarkesville City Clerk Julie Poole will serve as the city’s interim city manager following the retirement of City Manager Keith Dickerson.
Poole was named interim city manager Tuesday, Feb. 17. Her appointment takes effect Feb. 23. Dickerson’s final day with the city is Friday, Feb. 20.
Mayor Franklin Brown confirmed the leadership transition Wednesday during a farewell luncheon honoring Dickerson. Brown had previously told Now Georgia during the February City Council meeting that he planned to serve as interim city manager. However, he said the city charter does not allow him to hold that position.
“Due to our charter, I can’t serve as city manager,” Brown said. “So Julie will be our temporary city manager, and I will assist her in those responsibilities as needed.”
Brown said Poole is the “perfect person” to guide Clarkesville during the interim period as the city begins its search for a permanent replacement.
“We’re not in a rush, and we’ve got good people in every department,” Brown said. “We’re going to take our time and find the right person.”
Brown also reflected on Dickerson’s departure.
“If we could clone Keith, that would be ideal,” he said. “But we’re going to take our time and find the right individual to fill that position.”
Poole has worked for the city for nearly 18 years. She began in 2008 at the front desk, taking payments, and gradually expanded her role.
“I started back in 2008 at the front desk taking payments,” Poole said. “I cross-trained in accounting because I had that background, and it just grew from there. Whatever they needed me to learn, I learned.”
Over the years, she has handled utility billing, tax collections, accounts payable and payroll. In her current role as city clerk, she oversees finance-related duties, business and alcohol licensing and other administrative responsibilities.
Asked how she plans to lead during a period of growth and development in Clarkesville, Poole emphasized a team-based approach.
“Our team is wonderful,” she said. “The people who have been here for a long time are like family. We work as a team. I trust them to do what they need to do and to let us know if they need help.”
Poole acknowledged that while she brings nearly two decades of institutional knowledge, she does not claim the depth of experience Dickerson accumulated during his tenure.
“I’m familiar with a lot here with the city, but I don’t have the knowledge Keith has, and I will not pretend to,” she said. “That man has a lot of knowledge. But I do know some things just from working here for so long.”
Dickerson said he leaves the role feeling positive about the city’s direction.
“I’m feeling good,” he said. “It’s events like this that bring the city together that make me the most happy.”
Clarkesville officials have not announced a timeline for hiring a permanent city manager. Brown said the city intends to move deliberately in selecting its next leader.
