Richard Cox appointed COO of City of Atlanta

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has appointed Richard Cox as Chief Operating Officer of the City of Atlanta, the city announced today.
The position entails oversight and executive management of the city’s operating departments including the Fire, Police, Parks and Recreation, Public Works and Watershed Management, among others.
According to the city’s press release, Cox has been an executive with Cox Automotive. He has more than 15 years of management experience and will serve Atlanta for one year before returning to his company.
“I am pleased to have Richard Cox join the administration as Chief Operating Officer,” Bottoms said. “He brings to us a wealth of senior leadership and operating experience, and I am confident he will enhance our administration’s focus on strengthening public safety, operational efficiency, and improving customer service.”
Prior to joining Cox Automotive, Cox held operational leadership positions with several organizations including Worldspan, Jones International University and Orbitz. An Atlanta native, Cox also served on the Atlanta board of directors for the Year Up program and serves on the Cox Automotive diversity council, the release said.
“I’m excited to serve the City of Atlanta and Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms,” said Cox. “It’s an honor to work for the betterment of my hometown that I love. I’m grateful to Cox Enterprises for allowing me to realize this opportunity, and I’m proud of my company’s commitment to the community.”
The Atlanta City Council must confirm Cox before his appointment is final.