Following a national search, the City of Savannah has appointed two new chiefs to its executive staff. Saesha Carlile has been named Chief Operating Officer for the Management Services Service Center, and Joseph Shearouse has been appointed Chief of Information and Public Affairs. Both appointments are effective immediately.
“These hires have secured crucial leadership positions within our executive team that will be vital to carrying out the goals of our newly adopted strategic plan,” stated City Manager Jay Melder. “Saesha and Joe bring an incredible amount of knowledge and experience to our leadership table that will be invaluable in the coming years.”
Carlile brings nearly 20 years of experience from state, municipal, and federal organizations. Previously, she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs at the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), managing a $148 billion annual budget. Her career also includes roles as Deputy Budget Director for the Mayor of the District of Columbia and Director for the Office of Financial Management at the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
In her new role, Carlile will oversee various city services including Financial Services, Management and Budget, Human Resources, Real Estate Services, Capital Projects Management, Risk Management, and Performance and Accountability.
Joseph Shearouse served as acting Chief for 10 months before his permanent appointment. With 12 years of service to Savannah, he was most recently Director of Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs. His achievements include leading major policy initiatives such as Hotel Motel Tax legislation and Local Option Sales Tax Negotiations.
Shearouse will manage five departments: Innovation Technology Services, Recorder’s Court, Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs, Municipal Archives, Organizational Development, and Public Communications.
