ATLANTA (July 2, 2013) – David Cook, the former Commissioner of Community Health under Governor Nathan Deal, was sworn in this afternoon as the 43rd Secretary of the Georgia State Senate. Cook was appointed in early May to the position by Senate President Pro Tempore David Shafer (R – Duluth) after an extensive search process. He succeeds the now-retired Bob Ewing. Cook was sworn in today at the Georgia State Capitol by Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle.
“David Cook has come full circle by returning to the office where he started his career in public service as the reading clerk of the Georgia State Senate,” said Senator Shafer. “I know he will do a tremendous job, and I look forward to working with him on a daily basis.”
Cook’s selection came as the result of a collaborative process that began with a call for nominations from the Senate and interviews by a specially appointed search committee. After receiving the search committee’s recommendations, Senator Shafer consulted with Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, Senate Majority Leader Ronnie Chance (R – Tyrone) and Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson (D – Tucker). Senators Jack Hill (R – Reidsville), Hardie Davis (D – Augusta), Josh McKoon (R – Columbus), Jeff Mullis (R – Chickamauga) and Jesse Stone (R – Waynesboro) served on the appointed search committee.
The Office of the Secretary of the Senate was created by the Georgia State Constitution in 1789 and is charged with keeping an accurate daily record of proceedings, including all votes on motions and legislation, in the Senate Chamber. In addition, the Office serves as custodian for all bills, resolutions, substitutes, amendments, records, papers and official documents filed with the Senate. The Secretary is an administrative officer of the Senate and also serves as the unofficial parliamentarian.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
July 2, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Jennifer.Yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028