The Dawson County Board of Education has officially named its new superintendent.

Dr. Damon Gibbs, executive director of facilities for the Hall County school district, was unanimously voted in as superintendent, effective June 1. The contract he signed is for three years.

The motion to employ Gibbs was made by board member Will Wade and unanimously approved by the rest of the board.

I want to thank you for your confidence in me, Gibbs told the board at its Monday evening vote session. My family and I are very excited about Dawson County and the opportunity youve been gracious enough to give us to become part of not only your school system, but your community.

Although Gibbs contract doesnt start until June 1, the board voted to hire Gibbs as a consultant for next month so he can work alongside current superintendent Keith Porter. Porter will retire on May 31. Porter said he feels Gibbs is a good fit for Dawson County.

One thing Dr. Gibbs mentioned to me before the meeting that says a lot about him, Porter told the board. Weve got all these recognitions tonightI dont want this to be about me. I want you to hold off on recognizing me in any way until after the student recognitions. And that is real consistent with the philosophies weve had in Dawson County for a long time, and so I appreciate Dr. Gibbs for what you said there.

During his consulting time, Gibbs said he planned to roll out a 90-day plan for the board. Part of that plan is spending a lot of time building relationships and getting to know folks in the community, he said. He said wants to spend ample time with parents, students and teachers, as well as other stakeholder groups in the community.

Gibbs has worked in the Hall County system since 1996. According to his application, he began as a teacher and coach at North Hall High School and advanced through the system, serving as assistant principal at Flowery Branch High School, and principal at Spout Springs Elementary and Johnson High.

Gibbs holds a bachelors degree in marketing from the University of North Georgia. He received his masters in occupational studies from the University of Georgia, as well as his doctorate in education leadership.

Gibbs also serves on the Flowery Branch City Council. He said he plans to continue serving on the council until he and his family move to Dawson County.