Photo obtained via https://www.facebook.com/commissionerkathiegannon/

Kathie Gannon is the DeKalb County Commission’s new presiding officer with the help of recently-elected DeKalb County Commissioner Steve Bradshaw.

Gannon was elected by fellow commissioners on Jan. 10.

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Gannon represents Super District 6 and has been in office since 2005. She replaces Larry Johnson, who the Atlanta Journal Constitution notes has held the presiding officer job since 2014. In addition to Bradshaw, Gannon received the support of commissioners Mereda Davis Johnson, Jeff Rader and Nancy Jester. The presiding officer chairs board meetings and sets the board’s agenda.

Bradshaw defeated former commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton in the recent county elections. Sutton in the past had voted for Johnson.

“Over the years, my interactions with Commissioner Gannon have led me to conclude that she is a dedicated public servant and a person of intelligence and integrity,” Bradshaw said.

Gannon said in an email election as presiding officer was a result of the change voters wanted in the 2016 county elections.

“I’m honored to have been chosen by my peers, and I thank Commissioner Larry Johnson for his dedicated service” Gannon said. “My goal is to improve how the Board of Commissioners work. In our form of government the CEO is responsible for the day to day operations of the departments. The Board of Commissioners establishes policies.”

Gannon is calling for a board retreat and plans to focus on police retention, housing, economic development, and transportation funding, among other priorities.

Gannon’s district has 350,000 residents.

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