The Cobb Chamber’s Marietta Area Council has selected Bill Brutonas its 2025 Citizen of the Year. The Citizen of the Year Awards are given to honor an individual whose impact through the years will be recognized and regarded with pride throughout the area as a role model. These outstanding citizens are chosen for their definable, exceptional deeds, with which he or she has made their community a better place to live. Awards are given based on local area nominations. The 2025 Marietta Citizen of the Year award was presented at the Marietta Area Council breakfast at Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center.
2025 Marietta Citizen of the Year
Bill Bruton, City Manager, City of Marietta
Bill Bruton, Jr., has dedicated his entire professional life to public service and civic engagement. Serving as City Manager of Marietta since 2000, Marietta has been recognized for its strong financial stewardship, smart development policies, and proactive community engagement under his leadership. He has played a pivotal role in the development of Marietta Square, supported key projects like the Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center, and worked collaboratively with local organizations to ensure the city’s public services are accessible, efficient, and community focused.
Bruton is a member of the Georgia City-County Management Association (GCCMA) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). He has served on numerous boards and task forces representing Marietta’s interests in regional planning, economic development, and municipal operations. His financial acumen and steady leadership have been recognized by peer associations, and his reputation for ethical governance has made him a trusted leader across Georgia.
Bruton has helped lead Marietta to receive multiple distinctions over his tenure, including top ratings in financial transparency, awards for urban planning, and recognition for innovative public-private partnerships. While he often deflects credit, his behind-the-scenes work has earned him widespread respect from elected officials, city staff, civic leaders, and residents. Through decades of steady, principled leadership, he has ensured that Marietta remains not only a well-run city, but also a thriving home for families, businesses, and the arts. For more information about Area Councils, contact Katie Guice at kguice@cobbchamber.org or 770-859-2334. Thank you to Series Presenting Sponsor, Kaiser Permanente, Program Sponsors, Haynie Litchfield & White and Marietta Wrecker, and Citizen of the Year Award Sponsor, Capital City Bank.
