Sandy Springs Names New City Clerk

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — A new face will soon join the lineup of department heads serving the city of Sandy Springs. City Council members at their Jan. 15 meeting approved appointing Coty Thigpen to serve as the city clerk.

Thigpen, who previously served in the same capacity for the city of Alpharetta, will replace Michael Casey, who is retiring. Mayor Rusty Paul said Thigpen is scheduled to start work in Sandy Springs in early February.

"Mike, you’ve done a great job for us," Paul said at Tuesday's meeting.

While the position of city clerk is one that the mayor appoints, Paul said City Manager John McDonough took the lead in finding a qualified candidate. Maintaining records in good order is important now more than ever, and McDonough has brought on a "highly qualified person" in Thigpen's selection.

Thigpen has served with Alpharetta since 2011. Before that, she was the city clerk in Canton. Thigpen earned bachelor degrees in sociology and political science from the University of Georgia and a master's in public administration from Kennesaw State University.

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She received certifications as a Municipal Clerk and Finance Officer from the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Thigpen is also a member of the Georgia Municipal Clerks and Finance Officers Association and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.

Alpharetta Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard said his organization is "excited" for Thigpen, as this is an opportunity to work towards her goal of becoming a city manager. Alpharetta has already named Thigpen's replacement, Erin Cobb, a longtime city employee.

Thigpen's role as city clerk for Sandy Springs means she's the official record keeper for the government. The City Clerk's office manages recording of City Council meetings, and maintaining contracts, ordinances, resolutions and agreements. This office also oversees all open records requests submitted to the city.

Casey joined Sandy Springs in December 2005 as a records manager. He served as interim city clerk beginning in January 2009 and officially appointed to the position that June.

Image via city of Sandy Springs