At a special called meeting on Nov. 12, both the city council and Mayor Earnestine Pittman approved new hire Reggie Taylor for the role of city manager.

Taylor started his new position on Nov. 28.

The appointment of Taylor as city manager follows two interim city managers, who took the place after Crandall Jones was terminated from the role nearly 11 months ago.

Pittman is enthusiastic about the new hire and hopeful about the future.

“I am thrilled to have Mr. Taylor on board as our new city manager,” said Pittman. “He comes with a wealth of experience that will be useful to the city as we move forward.”

Pittman said the decision was unanimous among the city council members that were present at the meeting.

Lance Rhodes, Ward B councilperson, was not present and did not vote.

Before becoming city manager of East Point, Taylor was the executive director of Marietta Redevelopment Corporation.

Taylor is also familiar with the realm of city government and administration, as he served as the public service administrator for the state of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, community development director of the city of Freeport and associate planner of the city of Beloit.

A graduate of both Cardinal Stitch University and East Carolina University, Taylor obtained his Master of Science in management and Bachelor of Science in urban design and regional planning, respectively.

Pittman said she is looking forward to making strides in the city, especially in terms of the hurdles of the economic prosperity, lower tax assessment and other financial concerns that face the city.

“I believe from the onset he was our first choice,” Pittman said. “He is more than capable and we are looking forward to having him for many years to come.”