Frankie Dakin, a Millington native, has returned to his hometown to become the new city manager, succeeding Ed Haley, who is retiring at the age of 84. Dakin previously served as deputy chief of staff for Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and officially assumed his new role last Thursday.
Despite not actively seeking a job change, Dakin was approached by several people about overseeing Millington’s daily operations. His love for his previous role in county government was significant, but the appeal of returning to Millington, where both his and his wife’s parents reside, played a crucial role in his decision.
Dakin’s interest in local government began during his college years at Rhodes College, where he interned with Bridge Builders. He then ran for alderman in Millington in 2012, becoming the youngest elected official in Tennessee at age 20. During his tenure, he worked on several initiatives and forged strong relationships with fellow board members, who unanimously supported his new appointment.
Throughout his career, Dakin has emphasized collaboration and cooperation with other municipalities, recognizing the interconnectedness of Millington’s success with that of the wider region. His experience with the New Memphis Institute and Shelby County Mayor’s office equipped him with skills in building coalitions and navigating bureaucracy.
Returning to Millington, Dakin envisions significant growth for the city, leveraging its proximity to major developments like BlueOval City and Elon Musk’s xAI supercomputer. He aims to use this growth to benefit long-time residents and enhance the community’s quality of life.
Excited about the potential for rapid progress, Dakin is already meeting with staff and reconnecting with old friends who are also investing in the community. He is determined to drive projects forward swiftly, reflecting his competitive and impatient nature.
Overall, Dakin’s return to Millington as city manager marks a homecoming filled with passion, vision, and a commitment to the city’s future growth and development.
The full story from The Daily Memphian can be found here: https://dailymemphian.com/section/suburbsmillington/article/45302/frankie-dakin-millington-city-manager