Meet Brian
Raised in Oconee County, Brian Brodrick graduated from Oconee County High School and earned academic and athletic scholarships to Berry College where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in Corporate Finance. Serving more than 17 years on the Watkinsville City Council, he and his wife Susan reside on South Main Street with their three children: Phoebe, Aaron, and Rebecca, all in Oconee County Schools.
Brian is a co-owner and partner at Jackson Spalding, the state’s top independent marketing communications agency. He serves on the Board of Directors for Oconee State Bank and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and on the Board of Trustees for Berry College. He is also active with Athens First United Methodist Church, his son’s scout troop, and a variety of other community organizations.
On weekends, Brian enjoys spending time with his family. You may also see him running on Watkinsville’s growing sidewalk network, riding his bike in southern Oconee County, or digging a hole in his yard as part of his quest to fill it with rare trees and shrubs.
Key Accomplishments in 17+ Years on the City Council:
- Negotiated rights of way and helped plan and secure a state grant to support installation of sidewalk on Harden Hill Road which connected four Watkinsville neighborhoods and thousands of citizens safely to downtown Watkinsville.
- Retained library in the city limits by working out a public-private partnership with the owners of Wire Park.
- Conceptualized idea for Watkinsville Woods, the City’s first new park in more than 50 years. With late Mayor Charles Ivie, worked with adjacent landowners to secure land for park and then with volunteers to help plan and build trail network in the park.
- Voted to retain Watkinsville's dedicated police department and increased budget to ensure appropriate staffing, technology, and equipment.
- Worked with ESP and the City to secure space for ESP's new headquarters, Miracle League field, and a fully accessible new playground (scheduled completion for late 2021).
- Led the implementation of new, citizen-driven land use plan and updated zoning code that has preserved Main Street and requires new construction and development to meet high standards for quality.
- With late Mayor Jim Luken, worked to prevent the original Experiment Station road widening plan from bulldozing portions of Main Street and harming many downtown businesses.