The Dawson County commission has announced that the county's next chief executive officer will be promoted from within.
The commission narrowed its search last week to replace County Manager Kevin Tanner to three internal candidates: Director of Public Works and Community Development David Headley; Director of Administration Bob Ivey; and Director of Emergency Services Billy Thurmond.
Tanner, who was elected to the Georgia Legislature in July, will resign at the end of the year. He has held the position since 2008.
District 1 Commissioner Gary Pichon made the motion to accept the three as finalists for the county's top non-elected position. Commissioners did not open the job to outside candidates.
"I'm quite confident in each of the three," Pichon said. "I see no reason to bring someone from outside to this important position when we have such qualified candidates with us now."
The commission is required to advertise the names of the finalists for two weeks before voting on the matter.
David Headley
Experience: Director of Public Works and Community Development since 2005; 22 years with Brevard County Government in various management positions; U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
Education: Associate's degree in civil engineering theory and principles, Ferrum College; bachelor of science in civil engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Bob Ivey
Experience: Director of Administration since January 2012; Director of Administration and Special Projects, July 2011 to January 2012; Director of Special Projects, June 2008 to July 2011; Dawson County Sheriff's Office Accreditation Manager, November 2006 to June 2008; retired after 24 years with BlueCross BlueShield in various management positions.
Education: Bachelor of science with a focus on political science and sociology, Middle Tennessee State University.
Billy Thurmond
Experience: Director of Emergency Services since 2001; Emergency Medical Services Director from 1987 to 2001; Dawson County Park and Recreation Athletic Director from 1979 to 1993.
Education: GEMA Master Management Certification; School of Small Business Management Degree in 2001; Georgia Public Safety Training management certifications; Lanier Technical College Paramedic Technology degree in 1985; Lanier Technical College EMT Certificate in 1980; Dawson County High School honor graduate, 1977.