Cobb Commission Chairman Sam Olens officially stepped down on March 30th to seek the post of Georgia’s Attorney General. Olens has been Cobb Chairman for over 8 years and at the same time was Atlanta Regional Commission Chair for 5 years. His leadership, vision and ability to bring consensus to difficult issues has served Cobb and the Atlanta Region well. He leaves behind a legacy of strong financial management in Cobb County which places his County in a uniquely positive position and well prepared for the future. Olens regional perspective and leadership at ARC did more to foster collective problem solving by all local governments than has been accomplished in many years.
In Cobb, District 1 Commissioner and Vice Chair, Woody Thompson will serve as Chairman until a permanent successor Chair is elected in the July primary election. As of this date, the only announced candidate for Cobb Chairman is District 3 Commissioner Tim Lee. Several candidates have announced their intentions to qualify for the soon to be vacated District 3 seat. An interim appointment for District 3 may occur depending on the timing of Lee’s resignation to run for Chairman.