(Atlanta) – Today the Board of Public Safety unanimously voted to approve former Tift County Sheriff Gary Vowell to serve as the state’s interim commissioner of the Department of Public Safety. Vowell will assume his new role on March 1, 2020.
Governor Brian Kemp applauded the board’s decision.
“Gary Vowell is a respected and trusted leader within Georgia’s law enforcement community, and he is a strong public servant who is ready to take the helm at the Department of Public Safety,” said Kemp.
Vowell says he’s honored to receive the appointment and “deeply thankful” to the board for their confidence in his ability to lead.
“My entire career has been devoted to keeping Georgia families safe and upholding the highest ideals of integrity in our law enforcement community,” the interim commissioner says.
Vowell succeeds former commissioner Col. Mark McDonough who resigned last week amid a State Patrol cheating scandal. McDonough announced his resignation after Gov. Kemp told him he wanted new leadership.
Vowell served 20 years with the Georgia State Patrol. He retired in 1996 and was elected Tift County Sheriff that same year. The Georgia native was appointed by former Gov. Nathan Deal to serve on the Board of Public Safety from 2011 to 2012. He retired from public office in 2012.
The governor’s office is now searching for McDonough’s permanent successor. They invite anyone interested in being considered for the job to email [email protected].
