The appointment of Jarrett Atkinson was unanimously approved by the Lubbock City Council Thursday evening during a regular meeting.
Atkinson was formerly the City Manager of Amarillo, and began working for the City of Amarillo in 2004.
“Lubbock is moving forward by leaps and bounds, and I’m so honored and privileged to be able to be a part of that,” Atkinson said as he addressed the community during Thursday’s meeting.
Atkinson said he was excited to start his new job.
“I think the first and most important thing is I need to build the relationships and build the teams with our people, and that’s collectively going to cover a large part of our community,” he stated.
“Mr. Atkinson has 20 years of experience managing, developing, implementing, and delivering services for cities and public entities,” stated a news release from the City of Lubbock earlier this week. “He served the city of Amarillo for 11 years, starting in 2004 as a Deputy City Manager. Atkinson became Amarillo’s City Manager in 2010 where he directed more than 2,100 full-time employees and managed an annual budget of approximately $336 million.”
Atkinson was one of four finalists in a nationwide search to fill the position of current City Manager James Loomis. Loomis retires November 18. City Attorney Chad Weaver was to serve as Interim City Manager until Loomis’ replacement was finalized.
“I’m telling you, you’re inheriting a great staff,” Loomis said to Atkinson on Thursday.
“There’s no place better than Lubbock, Texas,” Loomis said as he spoke during his final meeting.
Loomis began to tear up as Mayor Dan Pope referenced his military service in Vietnam.
“I don’t like this kind of stuff,” Loomis said.
Atkinson received his Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science from Sam Houston State University, Lubbock officials said. Atkinson “received his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Texas Tech University during which time he interned with the City of Lubbock in the City Manager’s Office,” the City said in a statement.
“We’re excited, I’m excited,” said council member Steve Massengale. “And I would just encourage you, Mister Atkinson, to get your rest over the next few days, because we’re going to get to work as soon as you report to duty.”
“We have a lot of expectations for you, and I’m sure that you’re going to fulfill those,” said council member Latrelle Joy.
“It’s going to be busy, but it’s going to be fun,” Atkinson explained during an interview after the meeting.
Atkinson begins his new position on December 12.
