01-16-09 Billy Beckett Tackles McDonough City Administrator Position

The City of McDonough has been without a City Administrator since former Administrator James Lee retired in October, 2008.  Mayor Billy Copeland has shouldered the responsibilities of both Mayor and City Administrator during that time but is glad to have an experienced Administrator on board.

The Mayor may now turn the play calling for that position over to McDonough’s newly hired and confirmed City Administrator, Billy Beckett, who assumed his new position on Wednesday, January 14th.  “I look forward to working with McDonough’s new City Administrator and getting some great things accomplished for this City,” said Mayor Copeland. 

City Administrator Beckett, a resident of Peachtree City since 1985, brings with him 30+ years of experience in government work and an attitude that the work will get done, but we will have fun along the way.  “I have watched McDonough grow over the years having spent time in the city referring soccer games,” stated Beckett.  “I also have friends who live in McDonough,” he added. 

Beckett, at age 60, believes the Mayor and City Council liked his professional management skills and his strong belief in team building.  He also feels that his management style is compatible to theirs.  “I’m sure they looked at my background, and the chemistry between us, I felt, was good,” said McDonough’s new Administrator. 

“I realize I am not smart enough to know everything.  I get good community leaders outside, a strong Mayor and Council, and an outstanding staff inside throwing their support behind me and who find my leadership skills worth following.  With this combination, we can get the job done,” Beckett stated.  He realizes coming in, he must prove himself worthy of being followed and that the entire staff must buy into his leadership and direction and claim them as their own.  He knows too that they must have a willingness to follow.

As an NCAA referee for more than 22 years as well as a referee for Arena Football, Beckett understands the need for a reliable team you can trust.  “As a referee, you have to work as a team and trust each other.  After all, you’re on TV and have thousands watching every move you make,” explained Beckett.  “You do pretty much the same thing as a City Administrator or in any other position.  You have to be a good team.”  He added, “To get everything accomplished in a timely manner, you must also be a good time manager.  I’ve done it so long, it’s just a way of life to me now.”

Beckett and his wife, Michelle, have been married almost 36 years.  They have three grown sons, Ryan, 30; Adam, 27; and Evan, 24.  “It’s not as hard to juggle being a dad, a government employee and a referee since the nest is empty now,” laughed Beckett.