Jackie McMorris was named the new Cobb County Manager Tuesday by the Cobb Board of Commissioners, after serving as the second-in-command since 2017.
McMorris was confirmed by a vote of 4-1 after being nominated by Chairman Mike Boyce.
Lisa Cupid, the South Cobb Commissioner, was the only vote against. She said while she supported McMorris, she wanted a more thorough hiring process.
Reading from a lengthy prepared statement, Cupid said “I think the world” of McMorris, who “will make a fine county manager.”
But since the position is the highest-ranking in county government, Cupid said she was troubled there was no discussion among the board or typical interviewing steps taken.
She said that processes—which includes meeting with board members and the county manager and being recommended by a hiring committee—are being followed to fill another high-level position, Director of Support Services.
Cupid has been critical of what she says were expedited processes recently to hire new County Attorney William Rowling and Police Chief Tim Cox.
“My commitment to an open hiring process has not changed,” said Cupid, who complained that commissioners discussed McMorris’ appointment in executive session only on Monday.
“I think this process was unfair to the candidate, to the board, to other possible candidates and to the public. She has become part of an unnecessary and unfair political problem.”
Cupid, who’s running for chairman, acknowledged that Boyce has the authority to do what he did, “but the full implementation does not necessarily make it right.”
East Cobb commissioner Bob Ott responded that he didn’t think the hiring process was unfair.
“What is unfair is to drag Dr. McMorris through the mud on what is a procedural issue,” he said, also reading from written remarks.
“She doesn’t need to be protected from anything. Her record, her education, her job performance speak for themselves.”
Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, also of East Cobb, said McMorris “is the only choice for this position. . . I have no reservations at all about the process or the appointment.”
McMorris came to Cobb in 2013 as public services director, after serving in executive positions with Cherokee County government and the Fulton District Attorney’s office. She holds a doctorate in adult education and will succeed retiring County Manager Rob Hosack on April 5.
After the vote, McMorris thanked the board, and emotionally talked about its support for her after her husband died six weeks ago.
“I truly believe I was chosen for this job because this board because I was the most qualified,” she said.
“I am here for you. All I have to give you is my service.”
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