The Cobb County Board of Commissioners has appointed Dr. Jackie McMorris to the county manager position, voting 4-1 to approve her contract at Tuesday night’s Board of Commissioners meeting. She will serve as the top administrator for Georgia’s third-largest county.

McMorris, who has worked for the county since 2013, has more than 25 years of government agency experience, most recently serving as Cobb County’s first Deputy County Manager. She holds a doctorate in adult education, a master’s in speech communication with an emphasis in Human Resources & Organizational Development, and a bachelor’s degree in mass communications.

McMorris’s governmental work experience includes over 15 years of experience having worked for the Cherokee County Government as the Agency Director for Community Services and Special Assistant to the County Manager. She also served as the Chief of Staff for the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office before coming to Cobb as the Public Services Director.

"I am here to serve the residents of Cobb with dignity, integrity, and with alacrity,"  said Dr. McMorris, who called the Cobb leadership team down to the front of the room.  "I assure you that you have the best because this team isn't going to let me fail.  This is your team.  I will continue to work to support this board in everything and every way." 

Dr. McMorris noted her appointment as the first female African-American County Manager comes during Black History Month.  

"I truly believe I was chosen for this job because Rob and this board felt I was the most qualified for this job," Dr. McMorris said.
 
McMorris will succeed Rob Hosack, who is retiring April 1 after a long service with Cobb County including more than three years as the top administrator.