College Park Faces Leadership Crisis as City Manager Fired Amid Pattern of Turnover

COLLEGE PARK, Ga.—In a shocking move at Monday night’s council meeting, College Park’s city council abruptly voted 3–1 to fire City Manager Lindell Miller, marking the fourth city manager dismissed in just three years. The vote came at the end of a fiery session, leaving many residents and city employees questioning the stability of city governance.

Councilmember Joe Carn made the motion, with only Councilmember Roderick Gay opposing it. Mayor Pro Tem Jamelle McKenzie admitted she was unaware of any misconduct but voted in favor, stating Miller “should never have been appointed in the first place” due to a lack of city management experience. Mayor Bianca Motley-Broom appeared surprised, pointing out that the item was not listed on the agenda, though the city attorney confirmed the vote was legally valid.

Miller, who quietly gathered her belongings after the vote, noted the accomplishments during her tenure, including implementing a procurement division and finance tracking system, launching a citywide leave system, and collaborating with GDOT on business and community projects. “I am proud of the work that I implemented with a beautiful staff at the City of College Park,” she said.

The city’s frequent turnover in the manager position raises serious concerns about continuity and long-term planning. Last year, the city paid Miller’s predecessor $140,000 in severance after just ten months, a pattern mirrored in prior dismissals. Each transition carries not only financial costs but also the potential disruption of ongoing initiatives and staff morale.

Chief Information Officer Michael Hicks has been named interim city manager while the council begins a nationwide search for a permanent replacement. Mayor Motley-Broom emphasized the need for a thorough and inclusive process, stating, “Our residents, staff, and other stakeholders deserve a meaningful role in the process, and I’m hopeful we will build a search that reflects the full strength and diversity of our community.”

Residents and local experts warn that without addressing the underlying causes of repeated turnover, College Park risks instability in governance, wasted taxpayer dollars on severance and onboarding, and lost opportunities in economic development and city services. With four city managers gone in three years, the council faces mounting pressure to find a leader capable of bringing stability, strategic vision, and long-term results to the city.