News Summary
The Augusta Commission has appointed Andy ‘Aaron’ Penick II as the new procurement director, filling an eight-month vacancy. The decision was made after a close vote during an executive session, with Penick’s experience expected to stabilize the department amid recent personnel changes. The meeting also included discussions on community initiatives and ongoing projects within Augusta, highlighting the commission’s focus on enhancing city services.
Augusta – The Augusta Commission has officially appointed Andy “Aaron” Penick II as the new procurement director following an eight-month vacancy in the position. The appointment came after an extended executive session focused on personnel matters and was decided by a narrow vote among the commissioners.
Penick currently serves as the director of procurement for Hall County, Georgia. His appointment is expected to bring stability to the procurement department, which has been without a permanent leader since the resignation of Geri Sams on September 24 of last year. The vacancy in the procurement director role has coincided with significant turnover within the city’s administration, as several key officials, including Finance Director Donna Williams and Interim City Administrator Takiyah Douse, also stepped down in the fall of 2022.
The commission’s vote on Penick’s appointment reflected a divide among the members. Commissioners Tony Lewis, Francine Scott, Stacy Pulliam, and Jordan Johnson opposed the appointment. Commissioner Alvin Mason abstained from voting, while all other commissioners present, including Wayne Guilfoyle, supported Penick’s selection.
Additional Commission Meeting Highlights
During the same meeting, the Augusta Commission discussed various community initiatives, including the ongoing demolition of the James Brown Arena. Additionally, member Don Clark announced plans to introduce pickleball to the Henry Brigham Center. To support this initiative, the local pickleball club, Diamond Dinkers, presented honorary member T-shirts to city staff.
In other business, the commission postponed several items regarding a proposed townhome development back to the Planning Commission. This decision came after the developer made changes to the original proposal. A public meeting to discuss this development further is scheduled for Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Henry Brigham Center. Notably, a petition with over 1,500 signatures has emerged from local businesses advocating to save parking spaces in downtown Augusta.
The commission also approved a request for a building automation service and mechanical service agreement with Trane Co. for $580,670.97. This agreement aims to upgrade and maintain aging equipment across various facilities in the city.
Context and Upcoming Events
The commission’s meeting coincided with preparations in the two-state region for an expected record-breaking travel period during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, fueled by low gas prices. Additionally, a moment of silence was observed in memory of two former Augusta commissioners, Richard Colclough and Bernard E. Harper, who recently passed away.
As the Augusta Commission continues to navigate personnel changes and strategic developments, the community will be observing the impact of the new procurement director and upcoming initiatives aimed at enhancing city services and community engagement.
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Additional Resources
- WFXG: Augusta names new procurement director
- WRDW: Pickleball and procurement job spotlight
- The Augusta Press: Commission OKs procurement hire
- Wikipedia: Augusta, Georgia
- Augusta Chronicle: Highest paid employees
- Google Search: Augusta Commission news
- The Augusta Press: Top level vacancies in Augusta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Augusta
- WJBF: Augusta Commission forces out interim administrator
- Google News: Augusta procurement director
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
