In one of her first official duties as Dawson County Manager, Cindy Campbell has announced the promotion of Dena Bosten to chief financial officer.

Bosten, who has been with the county's finance department since September 2010, has held several accounting roles including her most recent duties as budget manager.

"I am very honored and excited about this opportunity to serve the citizens of Dawson County," she said.

In making the announcement last week, Campbell described Bosten as an ideal fit to oversee the county's finance department.

"I feel fortunate to have someone of Dena Bosten's caliber to fill the role of chief financial officer," she said. "Dena has been a huge asset to Dawson County in her previous employment with the finance department, and I am confident that her transition to her new role will be seamless.

"I cannot say enough about Dena's abilities and strong work ethic."

According to Bosten, the knowledge and working relationships "with other employees, managers and elected officials" that she gained while in the finance department will serve the county well.

"I look forward to continuing to build these relationships and expanding my knowledge in my new role as chief financial officer," she said.

A certified public accountant, Bosten holds an MBA in accounting from Brenau University and a bachelor's in business administration from North Georgia College & State University.

She also is a member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Government Financial Officers Association.

Bosten was previously employed as an accounting assistant with Bates, Carter & Co. in Gainesville and an administrative assistant for attorney Jeffrey Wolff in Dahlonega.

District 1 Commissioner Gary Pichon said the county is fortunate to have skilled employees, which allows "us to promote from within."

"We are fortunate that we didn't have to go outside to fill this position," he said. "She will do a good job for us."

Bosten replaces Campbell, who was recently took over as the county's chief executive officer, a position previously held by Kevin Tanner, who resigned and represents the 9th District in the state House of Representatives.

Campbell said county operations have been for the most part "business as usual" during the transition.

"The first week has been very busy, as expected," she said. "I have met with department heads and commissioners to discuss upcoming plans and open the lines of communication.

"As I have stated before, Dawson County truly has top-notch employees and department heads, and they have helped to make my first week as smooth a transition as possible."