State commissioner appoints Georgia community service board directors

The commissioner appoints and may remove each community service board executive director. This applies to executive directors of Georgia community service boards. Board members may take part in the selection process, but the commissioner makes final employment decisions. A director employed by a board on June 30, 2026, could elect by August 1, 2026, to remain a board employee under a three-party agreement with the board and department. A board employee selected later as director may remain a board employee only with the commissioner’s express agreement. The appointment rule applies on and after July 1, 2026. Directors employed by a board on June 30, 2026, had until August 1, 2026, to elect board employment.

Executive directors manage board operations and may hire, manage, discipline, and terminate staff; end contracts; and set operating and clinical policies. These powers cover each community service board’s employees, contracts, policies, and daily operations. A governing board may delegate other powers and duties to its executive director. The commissioner may authorize the director to act without board approval if the commissioner finds the board is not properly performing its duties, but only with the Governor’s approval. The listed executive director powers apply on and after July 1, 2026.

Community service boards may hold meetings by teleconference under public access rules. This applies to community service boards created under Georgia law. At least half of the board members must be physically present at a meeting location. The public must have a way to watch and comment without attending in person, and required meeting notice must be given.