The city of Alpharetta announced Thursday the hiring of Richard McLeod as its new community development department director. McLeod, who has served as Woodstock’s community development director for 10 years, was chosen after a nation-wide search.

He will assume his duties with Alpharetta beginning Nov. 5.

Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle said in a release the city received resumes from more than 90 qualified candidates.

“Mr. McLeod stood out among them as being not only technically qualified but as a creative professional that could help council identify opportunities for shaping Alpharetta’s future,” Belle Isle said.

McLeod said he is looking forward to working for a bigger city with bigger staff and the opportunity to take on more responsibility. He will have a salary of $115,000 and the standard city benefits package.

“Alpharetta is a pretty remarkable place with a tremendous tax base and jobs base,” McLeod said.

According to Alpharetta officials, McLeod’s efforts in helping reshape downtown Woodstock into a thriving destination that has attracted over $100 million in private investment, as well as his award-winning leadership in the development of Greenprints, Woodstock’s comprehensive trail and green space plan, helped McLeod stand out from other applicants.

McLeod is filling the position left vacant by former Community Development Director Diana Wheeler, who resigned this summer after 18 years with the city. Wheeler now works as the community development director for the city of Peachtree Corners. Alpharetta also announced the promotion of Kathi Cook, a 12-year veteran of its community development department, to the position of deputy director.

In the newly created role, Cook will continue to coordinate the activities of the city’s planning commission but will have more responsibility with respect to day-to-day operations of the department and negotiating with private developers. “Kathi has been a valuable asset for a number of years, and she has greatly impressed Council with her leadership and professionalism in the absence of a full-time director in Community Development,” said Belle Isle.

Until McLeod’s arrival in November, Cook will serve as the department’s interim director.