County officials are again on the hunt for a finance director. After appointing Bobby Young to the position on May 12, Young withdrew his acceptance May 16 to take a position at Howard University in Washington, D.C. He was set to begin work with the county on May 18.
Rockdale Commission Chairman Richard A. Oden directed Arthur Reese, human resources director, to repost the position immediately.
"It’s a vital position in the organization and one that we want to fill as soon as possible. But we want to make sure we get the best possible candidate we can," said Julie Mills, director of public affairs and media relations.
Young was appointed to the position because he had "more than 30 years experience in the private and public sectors, offering a solid track record of achievement in strategic planning, financial reporting and analysis, capital development, land acquisitions, and bond issues, among other successes," according to the press release announcing his appointment.
Young is a former Vice President for Finance and Business Services for Clark Atlanta University who oversaw a $100 million budget, 5,000 students, 1,000 employees, and a $32 million endowment. He worked at the university from 2001 – 2009.
Young beat out 44 applicants for the spot. He participated in two panel interviews—the first as one of 10 candidates interviewing with Commissioner Oz Nesbitt, Sr.; Stan Lunsford, CPA; Keith Terrell, CPA, and Reese; and the second as one of four candidates who interviewed with Reese, Commissioner JaNice Van Ness; Mike Houchard, SPLOST Oversight Committee member; and Don Murphy, CPA.
Oden interviewed the top two finalists before offering Young the position, which has been vacant since January.
"It’s unfortunate (that Young resigned), but things like this happen on occasion. But we will move forward and we are confident we are going to get the right person for the job," Mills said.
Officials are looking for a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Finance, Business Administration or related field and 10 years of progressively responsible financial management experience. Candidates with a Master’s degree or CPA certification are preferred.
Until a replacement can be found, Deputy Director Roselyn Miller will continue to serve as interim director.
