Electric City Life

⚡️”Simi Barnes was sworn in as the new Columbus City Council member for District 1 at a council meeting Tuesday, one week after winning the election over retired officer Karen Gaskins.

The seat holds deep meaning for Barnes. It is the same district her late father, Jerry “Pops” Barnes, represented for nearly 20 years.

“I am so humbled and honored to be in community with all of you,” Barnes said. “I will walk in integrity and I will make it my business to make you proud. I welcome you holding me accountable and working with me as we move forward together.”

Barnes centered her campaign on transparency. Like her father, she includes community development and veteran services among her top priorities.” WTVM

📣⚡️”The Nomination of Tyson Begly as City Manager by Mayor of :

Mayor Skip Henderson announced the nomination of Tyson Begly to serve as the next City Manager for the Columbus Consolidated Government, citing Begly’s extensive leadership experience in business, finance, public service, and strategic operations.

“Tyson Begly brings a rare combination of executive leadership, financial expertise, operational experience, and deep commitment to the Columbus community,” said Skip Henderson. “Throughout his career, Tyson has demonstrated the ability to solve complex problems, build strong teams, and deliver meaningful results. I am confident he possesses the vision, integrity, and collaborative leadership necessary to guide Columbus into its next chapter.”

Begly currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Highline, a West Point-based broadband company focused on expanding high-speed internet access to underserved rural communities. In that role, he oversees financial strategy, compliance, government affairs, grants, and mergers and acquisitions. Since joining the company in 2024, Highline has completed three acquisitions and secured more than $329 million in grant funding to support broadband expansion initiatives.

Prior to Highline, Begly served as Chief Financial Officer and later Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer of Delta Data, where he helped lead the company through a significant operational and financial turnaround while positioning the organization for acquisition by private equity investors. Earlier in his career, he worked with Accenture and Diamond Management & Technology Consultants, leading major consulting engagements focused on technology, compliance, operational improvement, and post-merger integration.
Begly also has a distinguished record of civic and public service in Columbus. He previously served as a citywide member of Columbus Council, where he chaired the Audit Committee and served as Vice Chair of the Budget Committee. He has also served in leadership roles with the Development Authority of Columbus, the Public Safety Advisory Commission, and the Charter Review Committee.

“Columbus is a city with tremendous momentum and opportunity,” said Tyson Begly. “I am honored by Mayor Henderson’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this community. I look forward to working alongside Council, city employees, community partners, and residents to build on the progress already underway and help shape an even stronger future for Columbus.”

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Begly serves on several civic and nonprofit boards, including the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley, and previously served as Board Chair of Open Door Community House. He is a graduate of Leadership Columbus and a member of Leadership Georgia’s Class of 2022.
Begly earned a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering from Auburn University and an MBA from Duke University Fuqua School of Business.”