Varnell hires ex-Ringgold official as city chief

Thursday, March 17, 2011

photo Jason Hall, new Varnell city manager.

DALTON, Ga. - A former Ringgold, Ga., city code enforcement officer will begin his new job as city manager in Varnell on Friday after the Varnell City Council and mayor hired him Tuesday.

Jason Hall, who was chosen from about 35 applicants and four finalists, said he is excited to start meeting city employees and learning more about the position.

"I'll be trying to get a handle on who everybody is and where all the projects are," Hall said Wednesday. "I'm looking forward to getting in there and getting to work. I believe there is a lot of potential."

Hall worked as a code enforcement officer, flood plain manager and safety officer in Ringgold from July 2004 to February.

He said he left the Ringgold position on good terms with the city but wanted to "pursue other opportunities." His contacts in Ringgold and Whitfield County will provide good partnerships for the city of Varnell and tools to help the city, he said.

Hall's previous work experience includes being a district manager for Jim Walter Homes in Rome, Ga., and a store manager for Unfinished Furniture Expo in Chattanooga, according to his resume.

He has an associate degree in education from Dalton State College and a bachelor's degree in business management from Covenant College.

Varnell Mayor Dan Peeples said he was impressed with Hall's experience, his upbeat personality and his Christian beliefs.

Hall will be paid $50,000 a year, Peeples said, the same salary former city manager Mark Gibson made before he left in January to become Whitfield County manager.

Hall lives in LaFayette, Ga., with his wife of nearly 16 years, their daughter and two sons.

Contact staff writer Mariann Martin at mmartin@timesfreepress.com or 706-980-5824.