Cobb Commissioners voted 4-1 to appoint Jackie McMorris as the new county manager despite concerns from one commissioner who said the hiring process lacked transparency.
McMorris is the first African American woman to hold the position and previously served as deputy county manager.
But Commissioner Lisa Cupid said she could not vote for McMorris because the board did not open the hiring process up, either internally or externally, or consider any other candidates.
Cupid said that it was “disrespectful” to the board that Chairman Mike Boyce publicly announced McMorris would fill the role before commissioners had a chance to discuss her nomination or vote.
“I think this was an unfair process for the candidate, for the board, for other possible candidates and for the public,” she said.
Commissioner Bob Ott appeared to take umbrage at Cupid’s remarks.
“What is unfair is to drag Dr. McMorris through the mud over a procedural issue,” Ott said. “Her record, her education, her job performance speak for themselves.”
After the vote, McMorris thanked the board for the opportunity.
“I assure you that you have the best because this team isn’t going to let me fail,” she said.
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