90 Days In: A Conversation with City Manager ChaQuias Miller-Thornton
Reflecting on her first three months, Clarkston’s new City Manager shares her vision, values, and commitment to community-driven progress.
The City of Clarkston is entering a new phase of leadership under City Manager ChaQuias Miller-Thornton. With her first 90 days now behind her, Miller-Thornton reflects on her early experiences, priorities, and the vision she brings to the role. Her leadership has already left a meaningful impression, marked by collaboration, transparency, and a deep commitment to both operational excellence and community connection.
From the beginning, Miller-Thornton sensed something special about Clarkston. She described her initial impressions as grounded in acceptance and promise. Residents, staff, and community partners welcomed her with optimism and a genuine eagerness for consistent, strategic leadership.
“What stood out right away was the potential,” she said. “The city already has well-established departments that are equipped to meet the needs of our community. That is not something many small cities can say.”
Her first few months have been full of analysis, engagement, and action. Miller-Thornton approached her role with purpose, beginning with one-on-one meetings with department heads and council members, a review of city planning documents, and a deep dive into the city’s operational systems.
Key moments in her first 90 days include hosting a strategic staff and council retreat, supporting the successful execution of Clarkston’s first Housing Summit in partnership with the Atlanta Regional Commission, and leading the relocation of City Hall operations to 736 Park North Boulevard.
Throughout this process, her top priorities have been to evaluate the city’s financial standing following turnover in the finance department and to assess the organizational culture. Her goal is to create an environment where policies and procedures reflect both accountability and collaboration.
When asked about her impressions of the city’s internal team, Miller-Thornton is clear.
“We have a dedicated staff filled with smart, capable professionals,” she said. “What I admire most is their willingness to support one another. In a small city, that type of teamwork is essential.”
Rather than micromanaging, she focuses on empowering staff to think across departments, manage with confidence, and contribute to long-term solutions. Her leadership encourages staff to take ownership of their roles while remaining connected to the city's overall goals.
Since arriving, Miller-Thornton has been present at numerous public events and has spent time listening to residents’ hopes, concerns, and ideas. She has been struck by the welcoming nature of the community.
“Even when residents have concerns, they come to me with kindness and hope. That kind of civic engagement is refreshing and inspiring,” she said.
To build trust with residents, she believes in keeping promises, being physically present, and offering clear and consistent communication. “Public trust grows when people see that you are reliable, accountable, and invested in the same community they call home.”
Looking ahead, Miller-Thornton is focused on completing the city’s 2024 audit, confirming Clarkston’s financial position, and ensuring a smooth transition to the new City Hall. These foundational tasks will set the stage for bigger goals.
She sees long-term opportunities in balancing the city’s tax base, exploring growth through land use planning, and aligning development with a unified vision. Her role, she explained, is to equip elected officials with the information, strategies, and processes needed to pursue that vision with clarity and confidence.
Miller-Thornton brings more than two decades of local government experience to her role, having worked her way up from a front office clerk to city manager. Along the way, she has served in nearly every core department, including human resources, finance, municipal court, and public works.
“That experience allows me to lead with insight,” she said. “I understand the day-to-day realities of each department, and I can support the team from a place of shared understanding.”
Outside of work, Miller-Thornton enjoys spending time with her family. She’s also discovered a personal favorite spot in Clarkston: Friendship Forest.
“It’s our hidden gem. Serene and beautiful. It’s the perfect place to pause and enjoy nature,” she shared.
As she looks to the future, Miller-Thornton is most excited about innovation in service delivery and continuing to find new ways to meet the needs of Clarkston’s diverse community.
She encourages residents to stay engaged by attending meetings, providing feedback, and participating in the city’s many opportunities for public input.
“Progress happens when we work together,” she said. “I want residents to know their voices matter. We are building something important here.”
With a clear sense of purpose and a deep understanding of local government, City Manager ChaQuias Miller-Thornton is ready to guide Clarkston forward. Her first 90 days reflect a leader committed to thoughtful progress, meaningful engagement, and a future shaped by collaboration.