Former Yeager Airport director Rick Atkinson is now South Charleston's city manager.
Atkinson's first day was Wednesday.
Mayor Frank Mullens said Atkinson was hired after he expressed interest in working for the city following his resignation from the airport on Saturday.
"It just kind of fell in my lap," Mullens said. "It just so happens that the position was available. He is the perfect fit."
Atkinson's resignation from the airport was effective Monday, the same day that workers began removing part of the safety-overrun area that was damaged in a landslide this spring.
The March 12 landslide, and the events since then, took an emotional and physical toll on the 55-year-old Atkinson, and led him to his decision to resign, he told the Gazette-Mail on Saturday. He began his post as the airport's executive director in 1999, after spending two years as Kanawha County's parks director.
Atkinson said Wednesday he is looking forward to working for South Charleston once again. He has been the city's public works director, recreation director, economic development director and treasurer during his career in government.
"The mayor and I talked and it's a great opportunity," he said. "I hope I'm able to bring value to the city."
He said he asked Mullens about working for the city after suggestions to do so from several contacts.
Last month, South Charleston's former city manager, Carlton Lee, announced he would be resigning, though Mullens announced at council last week he is paying Lee $15,000 annually to manage the new fire station project and the city's insurance issues.
Mullens said Atkinson will make $70,000 as South Charleston's city manager. He said he thinks South Charleston has a good administration, and "Rick just makes this even better."
Atkinson has lived in South Charleston his entire adult life. He said he's remained active in South Charleston since leaving city government in the early 1990s.
Earlier this month, Mullens announced he was naming Atkinson to a committee that will analyze the city's pay scale.
Contact writer Matt Murphy at 304-348-4817 or matt.murphy@dailymailwv.com. Follow him on Twitter @DMLocalGov.