A County Manager with a Gift for Inspirational Leadership: Harold Cooper Explains how Newton Works - Episode 19
Welcome back to The Town Square Podcast, where hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey dive deep into the heart of Newton County, Georgia. In this episode, we are thrilled to have Harold Cooper, the County Manager of Newton County, joining us for an enlightening and inspirational conversation.
Harold Cooper, who took on the role of County Manager in April 2023, brings a wealth of experience to the table. With six years in county government and prior leadership of Henry County's Human Resources Department, Mr. Cooper is well-equipped to manage the diverse needs of our community. He describes Newton County as “the biggest small town in the state of Georgia,” and his passion for our community shines through in every discussion.
In this episode, we unpack the day-to-day responsibilities of a County Manager, a role that many might not fully understand. Mr. Cooper likens his position to that of a Chief Operations Officer, leading five workgroups that encompass 17 different departments and 744 employees, many of whom are considered "legacy employees." With over 120,000 residents relying on critical public services, Mr. Cooper emphasizes the importance of service delivery and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens.
While recent legal issues involving the Board of Commissioners have presented challenges, Mr. Cooper shares how he remains committed to delivering optimum services to our community. He also introduces us to his leadership philosophy, which he describes as the Three "P's": People, Purpose, and Processes. This framework keeps his team focused on what matters most in serving the residents of Newton County.
We also tackle the important topic of infrastructure improvements and the constraints of limited resources. Mr. Cooper reassures us that the Newton County government will remain fiscally responsible, ensuring every dollar is well spent. Our discussion touches on planning and zoning, highlighting the Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use Maps, and the role of Unified Development Ordinances (UDOs) in shaping the future of our beloved community while maintaining its small-town charm.
This episode is packed with insights and stories that will inspire you to appreciate the dedicated work being done behind the scenes in our local government. Harold Cooper's genuine heart for service and commitment to making Newton County the best place to live in Georgia are evident throughout our conversation.
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For more information about Harold Cooper and Newton County, you can reach him at:
- Office Phone: 678-625-1615
- Email: hcooper@co.newton.ga.us
- Website: Newton County Government
- Facebook: Newton County GA
- Instagram: @newtoncountygov
- YouTube: Newton County Government Channel
- Notify Newton App: [Download here] for reporting service outages, road improvements, and other work requests.
Join us in this inspiring conversation with Harold Cooper, and let’s work together to make Newton County an even greater place to call home!
