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Joey Cason
The White County Board of Commissioners hired Joey Cason as county manager during a called meeting Tuesday.
Cason, currently executive director of the Camden County Public Service Authority, is set to begin his new post Sept. 20. He was the sole finalist announced by commissioners Aug. 10.
Terms of Cason’s employment contract approved unanimously by commissioners includes a base salary of $112,000, eligibility for the county benefits program, three weeks of vacation time and up to $5,000 toward moving expenses. He also will be provided a vehicle for use in county-related business. Cason will undergo a performance review after his first six months on the job.
County Chairman Travis Turner said he looked forward to bringing Cason and his experience to White County.
Along with operating a private business for 20 years, Cason has previously held positions as recreation supervisor at Valdosta State Prison, athletic director for the city of Albany, associate executive director for the Valdosta YMCA, recreation director for the city of Brunswick and executive director for the Greater Columbus Sports and Events Council.
He has a bachelor of business administration degree in management from Valdosta State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Georgia Southern University.
Cason and his wife, Sheila Bandy Cason, have five children and four grandchildren.
During comments following his hiring, Cason told commissioners the opportunity was a “dream come true,” saying he set a goal in 1997 to become a county manager or similar executive role. He was raised in Valdosta where his father served as finance director and later city manager, but added that he developed an affinity for North Georgia since he grew up visiting the area and staying near Unicoi.
Cason said his wife and he have been participating in online church services held by the Gainesville-based Free Chapel and was actively looking for a job opening that could allow them to attend in person.
“My wife and I both feel very strongly that we’ve been led to come here and hopefully be a great asset and bring Him great glory,” he said.
While it will be a few weeks before Cason begins work as county manager, he said he’s already gotten familiar with the county’s SPLOST projects, budget and joint comprehensive plant.
The county manager oversees daily administration of government, including departments and employees, though the position still answers to the county’s elected body, the Board of Commissioners. This role often provides advice and insight to commissioners, but it ultimately carries out the policy and direction of the Board.
Commissioners began their search in May after Cobb then-county manager Jason Cobb would be leaving for another opportunity in late June. County Clerk and Human Resources Director Shanda Murphy has served as interim county manager since June 26.