Covington has hired a new utility director to run its electric and gas systems, choosing a former Georgia Power employee, Tim J. Morris.

Morris, a Loganville resident, was the lone applicant to both meet the position’s minimum requirements and have the experience working for a major power supplier – spending 13 years with Georgia Power – that city officials were seeking, according to Amanda Edge with the city’s human resources department.

Morris will begin Feb. 3 and will take over for longtime utility director Bill Meecham, who announced his retirement in the summer after 20 years with the city. Meecham officially retired Jan. 1, Edge said.

The job posting was first advertised in May, Edge said, and the city reviewed applications and resumes as they were received.

In a press release, Edge said Morris "possesses the demeanor, character and prior experience" that city officials were seeking.

Morris is currently a sales engineer in the Atlanta office of Whitehead and Associates, a company that specializes in helping manufacturers and other clients sell products in the electrical utility field. Among his duties was serving as a liaison between utility companies and manufacturers in the "development of custom or unique products."

Morris also previously owned his own company, Nite Lite Designs, in which he designed "sports and area lighting electrical installations" and served as a consultant by bidding out electrical engineering design products. During his time with Georgia Power, Morris worked on multiple projects, including helping with the expansion of the company’s network to customers and later specializing in the company’s outdoor lighting program. Morris has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech and is a certified electrical engineer. As utility director, Morris will be responsible for running the city’s electric and gas departments and systems; Covington buys electricity and gas wholesale and sells it directly to customers. Morris will be responsible for staffing, planning, overseeing projects, preparing budgets and overseeing the purchase of electricity and gas.