Mableton council confirms community development director; two other director nominations advanced

The Mableton City Council confirmed Michael Hughes as the city’s community development director and advanced nominations for two other director posts during a regular meeting.

City Manager William Tanks told the council that finalists for director posts underwent a multi-stage vetting process that included interviews, a technical evaluation panel and a cultural-alignment panel. “Our nominees…came out top in the selection process,” Tanks said.

The confirmation vote for Michael Hughes was taken by voice; the mayor announced the nomination confirmed after no nays were heard. Hughes thanked the mayor and council: “I appreciate this opportunity. Very thankful for the opportunity. I look forward to joining team Mableton,” he said.

Tanks told council members that the community development director vacancy had existed since Feb. 18 and that filling it was a priority. He said with the expected confirmations the city will still need to appoint a court administrator, parks director and communications director to complete its approved director roster.

Council members welcomed the new directors during remarks and said the hires will relieve staff members who had been covering multiple roles. The manager said the special projects manager had been performing interim IT duties and that hiring an IT director would return that staffer to prior responsibilities.

Actions recorded in the meeting include the mayor’s official nomination and the council’s voice confirmation of Michael Hughes. The council also announced it would proceed with a second appointment for an economic development director (candidate not present) and is advancing an IT director nomination. No formal roll-call vote totals were recorded in the transcript for the director confirmations.

The mayor and several council members encouraged public engagement and noted upcoming community events tied to district outreach and newly appointed staff.