BRADENTON, Fla. – Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has terminated two city managers who oversaw high-profile programs with a combined $6 billion in outstanding debt.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport general manager Miguel Southwell and Jo Ann Macrina, commissioner of the Department of Watershed Management, were terminated over the weekend, Reed announced in separate statements on the city's website.
During a press conference called Monday to discuss "recent leadership changes," Reed said he would not address why he dismissed Southwell and Macrina.
"Today really is not about the circumstances regarding their terminations or their exits," Reed said, according to Fox-TV Channel 5. "The bottom line is, is that we chose to go our separate ways."
Southwell's departure, announced late Friday, comes two months after the city launched a $6 billion capital improvement plan to keep pace with needs at Atlanta International, the world's busiest airport.
The capital program, which is expected to be financed partly with bonds, includes building a sixth runway, new parking decks, and an international concourse.
Southwell worked at the airport for three years, becoming manager in 2014.
Atlanta has been among the nation's major airports experiencing long lines due to staffing shortages at the Transportation Security Administration.
"I am committed to achieving maximum operational efficiencies and the highest level of customer service possible," Reed said in a brief statement posted on the city's website at 10 p.m. Friday. "I wish Mr. Southwell the best in the next chapter of his career."
Roosevelt Council will serve as interim general manager. Council has been the aviation department's deputy general manager and chief financial officer since 2012.
Atlanta has about $3 billion of outstanding revenue bonds on behalf of the Department of Aviation to finance its airport capital improvement projects.
Macrina was hired by the city about five years ago to oversee the water and sewer department and address billing complaints.
In a statement Saturday night announcing her termination, Reed thanked Macrina for her work.
"The Department of Watershed Management provides critical services to Atlanta residents and businesses, and I will ensure that it has effective leadership who will deliver operational excellence," he said.
William Johnson was appointed as interim watershed commissioner. Johnston became Atlanta's deputy chief operating officer this month, according to Reed.
The city has issued $3.25 billion of long-term debt for the watershed department, including bonds and long-term loans through the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority.
Most of the debt is being used to implement court-approved consent decrees with the Environmental Protection Agency.
Reed did not say how he intended to proceed with the selection of permanent replacements for Southwell and Macrina. City department heads serve at the pleasure of the mayor, although appointments require confirmation by the City Council.
