ATLANTA (May 30, 2013) – Senate President Pro Tempore David Shafer (R – Duluth) today announced the appointment of David Cook as Secretary of the Senate. Cook will succeed the retiring Bob Ewing.
“David Cook is a veteran of the Senate and began his career working as an aide in the Secretary of the Senate’s office, in addition to serving as counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee,” said Senator Shafer. “I have every confidence in him, and I know that he will do an outstanding job as Secretary of the Senate.”
Senator Shafer said the process to select the new Secretary was extensive and collaborative; beginning with a call for nominations from members of the Senate and including interviews with a specially appointed committee of Senators. Senator Shafer conferred with Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, Senate Majority Leader Ronnie Chance (R – Tyrone) and Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson (D – Tucker) before making the appointment.
“I’d like to thank Senators Jack Hill (R – Reidsville), Hardie Davis (D – Augusta), Josh McKoon (R – Columbus), Jeff Mullis (R – Chickamauga) and Jesse Stone (R – Waynesboro) for their time and service on the appointed interview committee,” said Senator Shafer.
The office of Secretary of the Senate is created by the State Constitution. The Secretary is an administrative officer of the Senate and also serves as the unofficial parliamentarian.
Cook, an attorney, will take office on July 1 after a brief transition period. Cook currently serves as Commissioner of Community Health under Governor Nathan Deal and is a former President of the Medical Association of Georgia.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
May 30, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Jennifer.Yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028