Putnam County, Georgia, is seeking a highly competent, qualified candidate with passion, skills, and management experience to serve as the County Manager. The county’s previous manager retired in May 2026, after more than 16 years of service. An Interim County Manager is currently in place as Putnam County conducts this search  with a projected start date for a new County Manager between October 1, 2026, and January 1, 2027.

Putnam County is a predominantly rural community of 22,855 permanent residents in Georgia’s Lake Country with a strong tourism industry and quality recreational amenities. The community is known for its rich history and small-town charm, making Putnam County a great place to live. The county operates with an annual budget of approximately $44.7 million with minimal debt and diverse revenue sources, including SPLOST and TSPLOST.

The County Manager will be chiefly responsible for independently organizing the County’s daily functional operations and implementing the priorities set forth by the Putnam County Board of Commissioners. Core responsibilities of the Putnam County Board of Commissioners include animal control, emergency medical services, fire suppression (both full-time and volunteer), planning and development, recreation, road maintenance, and rural transit. Partnering governmental entities include (but are not limited to) the county’s constitutional officers, City of Eatonton, Eatonton-Putnam Water Sewer Authority, Sinclair Water Authority, Putnam Development Authority, and Putnam County Hospital Authority.

Responsibilities

The ideal candidate for the County Manager position will have a successful track record of comprehensive local government management experience. In particular, the County Manager will be responsible for continuing a strong record of fiscal discipline combined with responsible governance. A successful candidate will value transparency and have excellent interpersonal skills, balancing the needs of a diverse group of stakeholders, especially as related to managing the opportunities and challenges tied to growth and development. Beyond this, the County Manager should be a successful executive who is able to lead the county’s professional staff for the betterment of the community.

Minimum Qualifications 

The County Manager should, at a minimum, have a bachelor's degree (master’s preferred) in business management, public administration, political science, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university; and at least five (5) years of previous experience as a City/County Manager or Administrator. This candidate must have or be readily able to obtain a valid Georgia Driver's License. A post-offer criminal background check and drug screen are required.

Compensation and Benefits 

Compensation will be mutually agreed upon between Putnam County and the selected finalist. The salary range for this position starts at $150,000 and shall be commensurate with the experience of the candidate. The County Manager will be entitled to all employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; 457(b) retirement plan; and paid time off, including thirteen recognized holidays.

How to Apply 

The Middle Georgia Regional Commission will be receiving all application materials and will conduct the initial review of candidates. The priority deadline for the first round of applications is 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, July 31, 2026. However, the position will remain open until filled. To be considered for this position, interested candidates should submit an employment application, cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references to [email protected]. Please contact Greg Boike at the Middle Georgia Regional Commission with any questions at [email protected] or 478-722-6945. Putnam County reserves the right to reject any and all applications received. Putnam County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.