County officials last week announced that a new planning and development director has been named.

Rachel Burton will be responsible for zoning, permitting, business licensing, code enforcement, inspections and alcohol licensing.

Burton previously served as the county's zoning administrator, a position she held since 2012.

"I am honored to continue to serve Dawson County in the new capacity as director of planning and development," she said. "I could not ask for a better community to work for and group of individuals to work with. I look forward to this new opportunity to further assist both residents and county officials with planning requests."

A 2004 University of Georgia graduate, Burton holds a bachelor of landscape architecture degree.

She received her Georgia registered landscape architect license in 2012.

She previously worked in the private sector as an environmental designer for both PASE Engineering and GeoImage in Dahlonega and Breedlove Land Planning in Conyers.

Throughout her career, Burton has been involved with numerous successful projects for public and private educational facilities, active and passive recreation parks and many residential developments.

"Rachel Burton has been a huge asset to the county, and to the planning and development department," said County Manager Cindy Campbell. "Her strong work ethic, experience and diverse skill-set make her a great fit for the director of planning and development position."

Campbell describes Burton as ambitious and eager to grow professionally.

"I look forward to working with her in this new role," she said.

The position became vacant when David McKee was promoted to director of administration last month.