Atlanta Olympic Games agency names director.

The Metropolitan Atlanta Olympic Games Authority on Monday named Richard Monteilh, a former Atlanta city official who is currently chief administrator of Newark, N.J., as its first executive director.

The authority, created by Georgia's General Assembly in 1988, has the ability to issue tax-exempt revenue debt for projects associated with the 1996 Olympic Summer Games to be held in Atlanta. Under its operating charter, the authority also is charged with monitoring the finances of the games.

"Mr. Monteilh was chosen because he has a proven track record as an excellent administrator and is someone who knows Atlanta very well," George Berry, the authority's chairman said yesterday. He said Mr. Monteilh will begin his new duties Jan. 1.

Mr. Monteilh had been chief administrator in Newark since 1987, where he was responsible for a managing a city with a $485 million annual budget.

He previously served under former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, first as director of the Bureau of Buildings between 1982 to 1984, then as assistant commissioner for finance between 1984 and 1987. During current Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson's previous term in office in 1981, Mr. Monteilh was deputy chief administrative officer.

"I see my role as helping make sure that the city and state are protected from any possible losses associated with the Games," Mr. Monteilh said yesterday. "But beyond that, the Games present opportunities for revitalizing neighborhoods in Atlanta. Maybe I can play a role in realizing some of those opportunities."

Mr. Berry said the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games will provide funding for Mr. Monteilh's $125,000-a-year salary, as well as office space and a small staff.

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