The City of Alpharetta’s search for a new Assistant City Administrator has ended with one of its own being selected for the position. James Drinkard, the city’s economic development coordinator, has been identified by City Administrator Bob Regus for the role.

Drinkard will replace Robbie Rokovitz who recently left the North Fulton city to become the City Manager of nearby Holly Springs.

In announcing the promotion, Regus stated that Alpharetta is frequently able to tap existing employees for leadership positions. “The City has a deep pool of talented people who are passionate about serving our citizens,” he explained.

As the assistant city administrator Drinkard will assist in the preparation of Alpharetta’s annual operating and capital budgets, provide on-going analysis of the city’s operating procedures, conduct short and long-range planning studies, and work with department directors to coordinate responses to citizen requests and concerns. He will also serve as the city’s public information officer.

In his eight years with the City of Alpharetta, Drinkard has worked closely with Regus and the city’s management team and has frequently been involved in high profile projects. Some, such as the Alpharetta City Center project, are closely allied to his economic development role, but he has also been associated with initiatives such as the new parks and recreation master plan and the effort to upgrade the city’s bond rating to AAA status.

Prior to joining Alpharetta, Drinkard served as president of chambers of commerce and economic development agencies along the Georgia coast. He holds a degree in public relations from Georgia Southern University and currently serves as chair of the planning commission in Woodstock, where he resides.