Macon-Bibb County hires new chief information officer
Tekquell Watson will oversee cybersecurity, technology operations and digital innovation initiatives.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb County has hired a new chief information officer to lead its Information Technology Department.
County commissioners on Tuesday approved Mayor Lester Miller’s recommendation to appoint Tekquell Watson as Macon-Bibb County’s new Chief Information Officer. The appointment was confirmed through an ordinance adopted by the commission.
Watson will oversee the county’s Information Technology Department, which includes a staff of about 35 employees and responsibility for cybersecurity, system security, application support, infrastructure operations, communications systems, project management and digital innovation initiatives.
“Technology is at the core of all we are doing to create a more accessible and transparent government in order to better serve our community,” Miller said in a news release. “We cast a wide net across the United States and world thanks to the Knight Foundation, and Ms. Watson stood far ahead of everyone else. We know she’ll do a fabulous job here in Macon-Bibb County.”
The position was created with support from a grant approved by the county in 2025, with assistance from the Knight Foundation, which helped fund the national search for the role.
Knight Foundation Macon Director Lynn Murphey said the candidate pool reflected growing interest in Macon.
According to agenda documents, the position carries a pay range of $122,560 to $195,605.
County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett said the county believes Watson’s knowledge and experience will move “our entire team and government forward.”
“We truly want to become a ‘Smart City’ and integrate technology into every facet of operations to make them work better for the people and neighborhoods we serve,” Moffett said.
According to the county, Watson brings more than 25 years of combined military and federal service. Most recently, she served as Chief Information Officer at the Institute of Museum and Library Services in Washington, D.C., where she led digital modernization efforts and cybersecurity strategy for public-facing systems.
She previously held multiple leadership roles at Robins Air Force Base, including positions overseeing legacy systems, special missions and help desk operations. Watson is a U.S. Air Force veteran and has received multiple military and civilian service awards.
Watson said she sees technology as a tool to strengthen public trust and improve services.
“Technology is the key to how organizations operate, protect critical assets, and deliver meaningful results, and through it, we can advance innovation that delivers a measurable community-wide impact,” Watson said. “I believe strong strategic leadership in this space will enhance security, improve efficiency, and position the county for sustainable, forward-looking growth.”
