Assistant City Managers

Chris Owens

Chris Owens brings over 30 years of experience in the private sector and over eight years of distinguished service as an elected City Council Member in Alpharetta, GA, to his role as Assistant City Manager for Sandy Springs. With a proven track record of leadership and strategic vision, Chris is dedicated to advancing the city's sustainability goals, innovation, and cost-effective infrastructure investment.

Before his tenure in public service, Chris held various senior executive positions in leading corporations, where he demonstrated expertise in operations management, strategic planning, and developing partnerships across diverse groups. His deep understanding of business dynamics and his ability to foster collaboration make him an asset to the Sandy Springs team.

Chris holds a Batchelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering Technology from the Southern College of Technology (now the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Kennesaw State University) and is a licensed Professional Engineer in three states. He is actively involved in the North Fulton Community as a Rotarian and serves on multiple non-profit boards. He is committed to driving positive change and enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Sandy Springs.

EMAIL: cowens@sandyspringsga.gov

Kristin Smith

Kristin Smith is Assistant City Manager leading the Innovation, Business, and Technology team. Kristin previously served as the Assistant to the City Manager, focused on research and special project management. She led the City’s sustainability efforts, upgrading the Atlanta Regional Commission Green Communities Certification from Bronze to Gold and implementing partnerships with Trees Atlanta to plant 400 trees annually throughout the City.

Prior, Kristin served as a long-range planner for the City, focused on the creation of the Next Ten Comprehensive Plan and four Small Area Plans. She received her Bachelor of Public Policy and Master of City and Regional Planning degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

EMAIL: kristin.smith@sandyspringsga.gov