Sandy Springs announced the promotion of Fire Chief Keith Sanders on May 21 to assistant city manager for infrastructure and capital program delivery, filling a position that’s been open for just over a year.
At the same time, Division Chief Jesse Bernard was promoted to interim fire chief. Sanders steps into the assistant city manager role after 12 years as fire chief, while the city advances plans to overhaul three of its fire stations.
Veteran fire chief to oversee city departments
City Manager Eden Freeman said Sanders has built a distinguished record of leadership, operational excellence, and dedicated service to the Sandy Springs community.
“His experience and institutional knowledge position him to step seamlessly into this expanded role,” Freeman said. “He leaves the fire department in an exceptional position under Interim Fire Chief Jesse Bernard, whose combination of operational depth, administrative experience, and professional preparation makes him well-suited to lead the fire department through this transition.”
Sanders’ career in public service spans 47 years, including decades of service as a fire chief and a stint leading the Alpharetta Public Safety Department.
In his new role, he will oversee the public works and facilities and capital construction departments. City leadership said he will also serve as the senior staff lead in evaluating and implementing water reliability options, a critical strategic priority for Sandy Springs as it plans to address long-term infrastructure needs.
Sanders holds a master’s degree in public administration from Columbus State University and a bachelor’s degree from Toccoa Falls College. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and a certified public manager through the University of Georgia.
Sandy Springs has two assistant city managers who work under City Manager Eden Freeman. Last April, former Assistant City Manager Chris Owens resigned, leaving to accept a role in the private sector.
Assistant City Manager Kristin Smith oversees neighborhood services, including community development, communications, and recreation and parks. She has been with the city since 2016.
Fire department in transition
Interim Fire Chief Bernard first joined the Sandy Springs Fire Department in 2015. He served as deputy fire marshal, where he helped lead the transition of the Fire Marshal’s Office and develop the city’s Next 10 Comprehensive Plan.
Bernard has 25 years of service in fire departments, a master’s degree, a professional certification in project management, and an array of national fire service designations. In 2021, he served as chief building official and an analyst at Nebraska Medicine, where he gained experience in code compliance, permitting, and capital facilities operations.
Bernard returned to the Sandy Springs Fire Department in 2023, most recently as division chief, overseeing daily operations, recruitment, succession planning, and strategic planning initiatives.
