Forsyth Board Honors Kevin Tanner, Manager Moving to State Role

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognized County Manager Kevin Tanner during its regular meeting on December 1, following Tanner's acceptance of a state appointment as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Tanner began serving as Forsyth County Manager in January 2021 and will leave a record of fiscal and planning outcomes that shape the county's immediate policy landscape.

Under Tanner's management, Forsyth secured the highest bond ratings from all major rating agencies. Those ratings are significant for county residents because they influence borrowing costs for capital projects and the long term fiscal capacity of local government. The county also won approval for a water intake on Lake Lanier, a development with direct implications for long term water supply, permitting, and growth management.

During his tenure multiple county departments received state and national recognitions. A stretch of U.S. 400 was recognized by the State as the Technology Corridor of Georgia, positioning the county to attract technology sector investment and associated employment. The county finalized an update to the Comprehensive Plan, providing an updated framework for land use, transportation and infrastructure decisions that will guide development and public services in coming years.

Before joining Forsyth County Tanner served five years as Dawson County manager and was a four term State Representative for District 9, which includes Lumpkin, Dawson and Forsyth counties. The Forsyth Board expressed appreciation and gratitude for Tanner's service and extended best wishes for his new position with the State of Georgia.

Tanner's departure creates a management transition that the Board will need to manage to maintain continuity on active projects and fiscal strategies. Residents and stakeholders will be directly affected by decisions tied to bond funded projects, water resource implementation and Comprehensive Plan execution. The county will face decisions about recruiting and appointing the next county manager, maintaining institutional knowledge and sustaining progress on the initiatives completed or set in motion during Tanner's tenure.