Kevin Tanner Named As Forsyth County Manager

FORSYTH COUNTY, GA — The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners named Kevin Tanner as county manager. Tanner, who was named in December as the sole finalist for the position, began his new role with Forsyth County government o Monday.

Tanner brings more than 30 years of public service experience, including five as Dawson County
manager. Most recently, he was a four-term State Representative for District 9, which includes Lumpkin County as well as portions of Dawson and Forsyth counties.

Tanner received his undergraduate degree from North Georgia College and State University and earned his Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University.

“I am glad to be joining Forsyth County,” Tanner said. “There are a lot of good things happening, and I look forward to working with the board of commissioners and county staff to continue to advance the board’s vision for the county.”

The county manager position had been vacant following the departure of Eric Johnson, who served in the position until Sept. 2020. Since that time, former County Manager Doug Derrer served as interim county manager.

Responsibilities of the county manager position:

The county manager provides leadership for Forsyth County government by working with the board of commissioners and other management to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans and policies; supervises the county’s administrative offices and senior management; oversees county programs and activities; interprets county goals and policies; and ensures county administration and senior management are making decisions consistent with the board of commissioners’ planning and policy initiatives.