Atlanta City Hall. Image via Google Maps.

Deputy COO Joshua Williams to serve as the City’s Chief Operating Officer, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced today. Williams will replace Richard Cox, who has served as an Executive on Loan from Cox Automotive.

“The City of Atlanta is truly fortunate to have the caliber of public servant found in Joshua Williams,” Mayor Bottoms said in a statement. “With Joshua’s steady hand at the Operations helm, the Administration will continue to enhance City services to become the most efficient, customer-focused and unrivaled municipality in the nation.”

Williams joined Atlanta’s government as Deputy COO in August of 2018, according to city materials. He previously served Chief Operations Officer for DeKalb County Schools, where le lead 14,000 employees, had a $150 million general operating budget and handled a $1.2 billion capital improvement program.

Williams will begin his role as COO on July 1, 2019, city materials indicate. Cox will help Williams transition into the role throughout the spring and early summer.