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Augusta Commission Appoints New Procurement Director

Augusta Commission members deliberating on community projects.

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.