Alpharetta Cultural Arts Commission reelects Melody Cookson as chair; names Michael Barsky vice chair

The Cultural Arts Commission of the City of Alpharetta convened at 5:31 p.m. and voted to reelect Commissioner Melody Cookson as chair for the 2026 calendar year and to appoint Commissioner Michael Barsky as vice chair.

Nominations opened for the chair and vice-chair positions. With no further nominations, the commission closed nominations and proceeded to vote; the commission’s announcement recorded that the votes were in favor of Cookson (chair) and Barsky (vice chair). The chair stated both officers will assume their roles at this meeting.

The commission also approved minutes from the Sept. 23, 2025 meeting (moved by Commissioner Michael Barsky and seconded by Commissioner Patel) and from the Dec. 2, 2025 work session (moved by Commissioner Gonzales and seconded by Commissioner Michael Barsky). Both motions were recorded as passing unanimously.

The meeting closed after a brief round of commissioner reports and staff updates; a motion to adjourn moved by Commissioner Smeal and seconded by Commissioner Patel passed unanimously and the meeting ended at 5:53 p.m.