Commissioners are expected on Thursday to name Dawson County's next manager from a panel of internal candidates.

The agenda is set for the Dawson County Board of Commissioners to discuss the finalists for the position in closed session during Thursday night's meeting.

A vote should follow the discussion, according to Commission Chair Mike Berg.

The board previously announced that the county's next chief executive officer would be promoted from within to replace County Manager Kevin Tanner, who was elected to the Georgia Legislature in July and is leaving the manager's post at the end of the year. He has held the position since 2008.

Initially, the board named three finalists for the position, but later reopened the application period for additional internal candidates.

The board is now considering five candidates for the county's top non-elected position.

Cindy Campbell, chief financial officer; David Headley, director of public works and community development; David McKee, planning and development director; Billy Thurmond, emergency services director and Bob Ivey, director of administration are up for the job.

"I think the public will be happy to know that we have qualified staff in place that are being considered for this important position," Berg said.

The board's meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Dawson County Government Center.