Vaughn tapped to become permanent county manager

   Habersham County can scratch off interim from Alicia Vaughn’s title as she was named permanent County Manager for Habersham County during Tuesday night’s Board of Commissioners meeting.

   Vaughn, who had been serving as interim county manager since July 2021, has over 16 years experience in local government including three years as county manager for Catoosa County, following six years as the CFO for Whitfield County.

   Vaughn beat out two-time applicant Jerry Neace and Patrick Marsh of Fitchburg, Wisc. with a vote of 4-1. Commissioner Jimmy Tench opposed the nomination.

   In a county release, Vice-Chairman Bruce Harkness called Vaughn “the right choice.”

   “Her knowledge, experience, zeal, and proven dedication have resulted in a job well done,” Harkness said. “I am very proud of the job she has done. I am excited to work with her.”

   Commissioner Ty Akins, District 5, believes the county is in “good hands” with Vaughn.

   “I’m very pleased to finally make the county manager position permanent,” Akins said. “... I think the main qualities we want in any manager would be strong leadership, a strong financial background, and economic development experience. She has all of these but most important, every county employee I have spoken with, speaks very highly of her.”

   Vaughn, who was not able to be present at the meeting, is excited to have a secured role with the county.

   “I am very excited about the opportunity to serve the Commissioners and citizens as county manager,” Vaughn told The Northeast Georgian on Wednesday. “During the last six months, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Commissioners, county staff, and getting to know the good people of this community.”

   Both a certified public manager and a certified public finance officer, Vaughn hopes to use her skills to move the county forward.

   “I plan to focus on preparing a strategic plan to help guide smart growth in the community,” Vaughn said. “I also look forward to improving communication between the other local government bodies and community partners. … I have never felt so welcomed and look forward to making Habersham my home.”

   Tuesday’s meeting also saw the appointment of a commission chairman as well as a vice chairman, positions which are elected annually.

   District 1 Commissioner Bruce Palmer who took office on Jan. 1, 2021, was nominated by previous Chairman Dustin Mealor for the 2022 chairman position.

   Palmer was appointed following a vote of 4-1, with Tench opposed.

   “I will strive to do the best job that I possibly can,” Palmer said while thanking the commissioners and the citizens for their confidence and trust in him as commission chairman.

   Harkness was reappointed as vice chairman for another term with a vote of 4-1 as well, with Tench once again opposing.

   No other nominations were presented for the position.

   “I promised to work hard for the citizens, whether people agree with me or disagree with me,” Harkness said. “At the end of the day, I am going to work hard for the taxpayers of this county, the citizens of this county.”