Kameron Kelley named Conyers City Manager

CONYERS, GA— Kameron Kelley, who most recently served as chief operating officer of the city of Conyers, has been named City manager. Kelley will succeed Tony Lucas, who is retiring after over 40 years with the city.

Conyers Mayor Vince Evans and the Conyers City Council said that Kelley will assume his new position effective June 1, 2024. The council will formally appoint Kelley as city manager by resolution at an upcoming city council meeting.

Kelley joined the city of Conyers in 2010. He is a native of Rockdale County and holds degrees from Clayton State University and Bellevue University. Kelley has led many major technology system upgrades for the city in recent years and was instrumental in the design and build-out of Conyers City Hall. Kelley’s responsibilities over the past year as chief operating officer include overseeing all operations of the following departments: Planning and Inspections, Information Technology, Public Relations and Tourism, Public Works and Transportation, the Georgia International Horse Park, and Cherokee Run Golf Club. Kelley completed the 2023 Robert E. Knox, Jr. Municipal Leadership Institute and is a member of the 2016 Leadership Rockdale class.

Current City Manager Tony Lucas announced his retirement, effective in May, earlier this week. Lucas leaves a legacy of nearly 40 years of government experience as city manager, public safety director, chief of police, and in other law enforcement capacities.

“I look forward to working alongside Kameron in a new capacity in the coming months knowing he is taking the reins upon my retirement,” said Lucas. “Kameron’s extensive knowledge in the areas of leadership, strategic planning, technology, and innovation make him the perfect fit as city manager. Kameron is well respected among employees and throughout the community, and he brings a new energy to this position. I’m excited to see what’s next for the city under his leadership.”

The mayor and council conducted interviews in February of four members of the city’s senior staff for the position: Human Resources Director Casey Duren, Chief of Police Scott Freeman, Chief Operating Officer Kameron Kelley, and Chief Financial Officer Isabel Rogers.

“When Tony told us about his intention to retire, the council and I began discussing options for a new city manager and it was an easy decision to stay in-house when considering candidates given the immense knowledge, talent, and longevity of our staff,” said Mayor Evans. “What we didn’t anticipate was just how worthy and qualified the four candidates are who applied. That made it a really difficult decision for us to make about something that will have a profound and lasting effect on the city for years to come, but we’re confident we made an excellent choice in Kameron.”

“In working for the city over the last 14 years, it has been my privilege and honor to serve the citizens of Conyers. As we move forward, I am committed to furthering our mission to make Conyers a thriving, vibrant, and safe community,” said Kelley. “I sincerely appreciate the mayor and council’s support and their vote of confidence in selecting me as city manager.”