New Tyrone Town Manager Kyle Hood has been on the job for nearly a month. And the former Upson County Manger envisions Tyrone’s future as one that balances progress with preservation. But who is Kyle Hood, how did he get here and what does he bring to the job?
“At any moment a dozen or more cities and counties have jobs advertised. I was looking for the next, best place for me and I appreciated the good experience in Upson County,” Hood said. When all was said and done, Hood was hired and began work in early October.
Hood served as Upson County Manager since July 2008, as project manager for the Wilkinson County Commission and as a research and teaching assistant in Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville.
The 28 year-old Hood earned a Master of Public Administration from GCSU in 2008 and, in 2011, earned a certification as a local government official from the Carl Vinson Institute at the University of Georgia.
Among the factors Hood considered when applying were the opportunities he saw for Tyrone due to its geographical positioning in south metro Atlanta and its history, along with that of Fayette County, as a quality growth area. Besides, said the Jonesboro native, “It’s nice to come home. I think I can make a difference here.”
Managerially, Hood said he will explore all options methodically and talk with all parties before making a recommendation to the Town Council.
“And if the recommendation is not accepted, I don’t take it personally. It’s a business decision and we move on from there,” said Hood.
As for what he brings to Tyrone, Hood said, “All my education and experience has been tailored toward the operations and management of local governments.”
In Hood’s estimation, Tyrone has, “A wealth of potential and a ton of resources. I want people to be proud of Tyrone, and I want non-residents to wish they were from Tyrone. But I’m not looking for us to compete with other cities. I’m looking for us to exemplify our uniqueness. And I want to be the chief PR person for the town.”
At some point the long-lasting recession that has caused falling home values and decreasing tax revenues will come to an end. In terms of Tyrone’s future, and specifically its economic future, Hood said it is wise for a community to look 5-10 years down the road. A part of that view is in terms of smart growth. He said smart growth can be accomplished in a way that will add to the tax base so the community can continue having the benefit of its historically low tax base.
“You can’t put all the financial burden on the backs of the homeowner,” Hood added, noting the importance of maintaining the feel of a small town while providing modern amenities. “I want to make sure the town is developmentally friendly for new residents and businesses. A large part of my job is to balance between progress and preservation. Not every business will fit into the Tyrone culture. But the idea is to create quality growth opportunities.”
Summing up his outlook for the town and for his responsibilities, Hood said he was hired to run an effective and efficient local government and to provide A-plus service to the citizens of the community.
The town will hold and meet-and-greet for Hood on Nov. 28 from 6-8 p.m. at the Tyrone Depot on Senoia Road.
