Warner Robins, Georgia - In a historic move for the City of Warner Robins, the Mayor and Council have unanimously approved the appointment of James Drinkard as the city’s first-ever full-time City Administrator. Drinkard, a Houston County native, will officially begin his role on October 28, 2024, marking a significant step forward in the city’s commitment to enhancing its operational efficiency and strategic development.
Mayor LaRhonda Patrick expressed her excitement about the appointment, stating, "We are thrilled to bring James Drinkard on board as part of our administration. His extensive expertise and background in local government will be invaluable as we continue to move Warner Robins forward. His leadership will be instrumental in driving our city's growth and ensuring that we meet the needs of our community with innovation and integrity."
James Drinkard brings with him a wealth of experience in economic and community development, strategic planning, and organizational management. His resume showcases a successful career with significant accomplishments in public policy, issue advocacy, marketing, and public relations. Drinkard is a seasoned executive and community leader with a proven track record in economic development, long-range and strategic planning, economic forecasting, and community planning and design. He is also recognized as a strong communicator with a passion for driving public engagement and fostering collaborative approaches to achieve innovative solutions.
Before his appointment in Warner Robins, Drinkard served as the Assistant City Administrator for the City of Alpharetta, Georgia. In this role, he coordinated operations and advised elected officials of Georgia’s 13th largest city, assisted in the development and management of its $163 million annual budget, drafted ordinances and public policy documents, and served as the Chief Public Information Officer. His responsibilities also included planning and coordinating citizen engagement and public outreach activities, as well as simultaneously serving as the Director of Human Resources from 2008 to 2019.
Drinkard’s earlier experience as Alpharetta’s Economic Development Coordinator saw him creating and implementing business recruitment and retention programs, advising elected officials and staff on policy issues impacting the local economy, and coordinating the creation and implementation of the Downtown Development Plan. Notably, he co-authored incentive zoning policies to encourage business investment, led the creation of a Tax Allocation District to support a downtown revitalization project, and served as a liaison between the public and private sectors.
Prior to his time in Alpharetta, Drinkard led economic development agencies in several Southeast Georgia counties.
Mayor Patrick, City Council and employees are eager to welcome Drinkard back to his roots in Houston County and looks forward to leveraging his extensive experience to continue its trajectory of growth and improvement. With his strategic vision and leadership, the city is poised to further enhance its services and community engagement, ensuring a bright future for all residents. Mayor Patrick says, “Since taking office, finding a qualified City Administrator has been a top priority for me. I recognized the importance of appointing someone with the right experience and a deep understanding of our city's culture. After careful consideration, I strongly believed that James Drinkard was the best fit for this crucial role. I spent several months courting him to ensure we both felt confident in moving forward, and I'm thrilled to bring this possibility to fruition."