The Dawson County Republican Party convention Saturday is expected to usher in new leadership.

Clint Bearden, who was elected as the local party's chairman in 2011, has said he will not seek an additional term as the county's GOP leader.

"I have been very fortunate to have outstanding people to help out during the past two years," he said. "During that time we have been able to grow the party, to ensure that our local and state office holders are Republican, and I am very proud of the work the local party did to get our new congressman Doug Collins elected to office, as he's going to be an outstanding leader for north Georgia for many years.

In addition to electing officers to serve the next two-year term, delegates will also be selected to represent Dawson County at the county, district and state conventions.

"The convention cycle is an important time and process for the Georgia Republican party, as we'll be electing our local, district and state leadership for the next two years during this cycle," Bearden said. "For our local citizens that have an interest in getting more involved in shaping the future direction of the Republican Party, attending the convention is a great place to start."

Precinct mass meetings will begin at 9 a.m. to elect delegates and alternates for the county convention, which will follow at 10 a.m. The events will be held at the Bowen Center for the Arts, 334 Hwy. 9 North, Dawsonville.

Delegates and alternates for the 9th Congressional District Convention that will be held April 20 at the Lakeview Center in Dawsonville and state's May 17 convention in Athens will be elected during the county convention.

Bearden said he is proud that Dawson County has been selected to host the 9th Congressional District Convention in April.

"[The district convention] will bring many of our state's political leaders and close to 500 delegates and guests to our county," he said.

For more information, e-mail clint.bearden@gmail.com.