The Dawson County commission has appointed Cindy Campbell interim county manager.

Campbell, the county's chief financial officer, will oversee operations in the absence of County Manager Kevin Tanner beginning May 28, when he takes a leave of absence to run for state office.

Campbell said she is honored the board appointed her last week to the position.

"I look forward to continuing the vision that the board of commissioners and County Manager Kevin Tanner have set in motion," she said. "As a native of Dawson County, I hold the best interest of its citizens dear to my heart."

Tanner announced in February he would run for the state District 9 House seat currently held by Amos Amerson, who is not seeking re-election.

Qualifying for the July 31 election is set for May 23-25. Dawson County resident Clint Smith has also announced his intention to seek the House seat.

"I fully support the board's decision to appoint Cindy as interim county manager during my leave of absence," Tanner said. "Cindy will do an outstanding job and I have the utmost confidence in her abilities."

Hired in 2009 as assistant finance director, Campbell was promoted to chief financial officer in December of that year. She manages and oversees all aspects of the county's finances, supervising the finance, purchasing and human resources staff.

Commission Chair Mike Berg said each of the county government's department heads were considered for the interim post.

"The board felt complete confidence in any one of the five as temporary county manager," he said. "We've got a good group of folks and we believe they are all capable of doing the job.

"The board of commissioners chose Cindy because she obviously has great qualities for leadership. But in addition, her current position as CFO affords us a close relationship with the finances of the county, which during budget season is very important."

A 1990 Dawson County High School graduate, Campbell earned a bachelor of business administration degree at North Georgia College & State University and received her certified public accountant license in 2000.

Prior to her service with the county, Campbell was a staff accountant for Bates Carter & Co., a full service CPA firm in Gainesville specializing in government audits, taxes, private business and nonprofit valuations and accounting services.

If Tanner is elected, Berg said the board will begin a search to permanently fill his position in August.