Hinesville City Council has named the sole finalist for its city manager position.

Council unanimously approved naming Ryan Arnold, the current assistant city manager, as the replacement for Kenneth Howard, who has announced his retirement.

Arnold’s candidacy must be open for two weeks to allow for public comment before his app ointment is made official.

“I just want to say thank you and I look forward to working with you,” Arnold told council members.

Arnold joined the City of Hinesville as assistant city manager in August 2018. Previously, he had been budget manager at Forsyth County and grants manager for Forsyth County. He was grants manager for Hall County from July 2008-January 2011.

Arnold holds bachelors of arts degrees from Seattle University in English literature and humanities. He has a masters in public administration from North Georgia College and State University.

The city had more than 35 candidates apply for the position and council members conducted five in-person interviews.