Updated Friday, Jan. 9, 5:30 p.m.:
Birrell told us Friday she is running again and is making her announcement official on Saturday.
Original story:
Chris Wasserman, the head of an Atlanta-based executive talent search firm, has announced he’s running for the District 3 seat on the Cobb Board of Commissioners.
Wasserman, a Republican who is seeking elected office for the first time, said he’s running to “change the direction” of the Democratic-led commission or else “homeowners will certainly face even more property tax increases and more poor County planning. I’m running because we need fresh leadership and new energy to fight for us.”
The District 3 seat, which includes most of East Cobb, has been held since 2010 by Republican JoAnn Birrell, who has not indicated whether she’ll seek re-election. Her fourth term ends at the end of 2026.
Wasserman is the first Republican to announce; Democrat Kevin Redmon announced last fall he would be seeking the District 3 post.
Party primaries in the 2026 elections are May 19. Wasserman’s campaign website can be found by clicking here.
Democrats hold a 3-2 majority on the Cobb commission, and both seats held by Republicans will be decided this year.
Wasserman is the CEO of Wasserman Talent Solutions, which in 2025 was included on the Forbes 5000 list of America’s Fastest Growing Companies. The firm also was the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s top small business of the year in 2025,
Wasserman also is a member of the Northeast Cobb Business Association (where Birrell is a former co-president).
In a release issued Monday, Wasserman said that while he appreciate’s Birrell’s service, “it’s time for a change. No one should serve two decades in the same Commission seat. . . . I’m running because we need fresh leadership and new energy to fight for us.”
He said tax, fiscal and government spending issues are his man concern, and that “taxpayers should expect more from their county government for what we pay. I’ll rely on my business experience to bring about efficiency and cost savings. I’ll work to save taxpayer dollars and prevent tax increases.
“Many residents I have spoken with also say they have grown disconnected with the County Government. As our next Commissioner, I’ll restore communication with residents and improve technology to make public information more accessible and easier to find.”
Wasserman, who lives in District 3 with his wife Lily, is a graduate of Osborne High School. He earned a business degree from Georgia Tech with an emphasis on finance and information technology.
Among his community activities includes serving on the board of the East Cobb Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Wasserman also has served on the board of the SafePath Child Advocacy Center, The Center for Family Resources and the Tommy Nobis Center.
Related:
- Marietta Mayor barely re-elected; PSC incumbents defeated
- East Cobb Republican activist Pam Reardon dies
- Democratic activist announces candidacy for Cobb commissioner
- MORE: Visit the East Cobb News Politics & Elections Page
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