Cherokee County Manager Jerry Cooper Announces Retirement

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — After 20 years of leading Cherokee County, Jerry Cooper will retire at the end of May.

Cooper began his career in public administration in Fayetteville, Arkansas after serving in the U.S. Navy and graduating from the University of Arkansas. The job market relocated him to Newnan, Georgia and then to Woodstock as city manager. When he was hired as the county manager, he never thought he would finish his career in one of the fastest growing counties in Georgia.

“The average tenure of a county manager is seven to eight years, so I did not think back then that I would be retiring from Cherokee County 20 years later,” Cooper said. “I have enjoyed working with the best Commissioners and employees in the country. We arrive every day to work as a team to make Cherokee County a great place to raise a family, live, work and play for our great residents.”

Over the last 20 years, Cherokee County has grown by more than 100,000 as people find a suburban locale with great amenities, schools and low taxes.

Cherokee County has the lowest tax burden in the metro-Atlanta region, something Cooper – and Commission Chairman Harry Johnston – feel is one of Cooper’s biggest accomplishments.

“Other counties in Georgia don’t even come close to the combination of excellent services and low taxes Cherokee County provides,” Johnston said. “Jerry Cooper is the principal architect of the financial management and policies that give Cherokee County its exceptional value.”

As Cooper looks back on his career, he points to several accomplishments he’s most proud of including doubling parks and green space, enhancing fire and emergency services, achieving exceptional public safety and the lowest crime rate in metro Atlanta while also keeping the tax burden low.

Cooper credits the team effort and the great leaders he’s worked alongside for the last two decades for the success Cherokee County has had.

“I have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people. That and what we have achieved together is my most rewarding career accomplishment,” Cooper said.

As the Board of Commissioners searches for the next county manager, Cooper advises whomever takes his place to always remain humble, work hard, commit to honesty and trustworthiness and to lead by example.

“Surround yourself with great leaders and build strong relationships,” Cooper added. “Work closely with the Board of Commissioners, community leaders and other elected officials, invest in others, work hard, listen and always be willing to learn.”

After retirement, Cooper plans to play golf and vacation with his wife, Sherry. As he has his entire
career, Cooper will continue his volunteer efforts to help children and families in need. Soon after
retirement, he will be participating in the 2021 Celebrity Ballroom Dance Studio’s presentation of MUST Dance in July.

“Those who know me know that I am not a professional dancer, but I believe in MUST Ministries and I believe in my family, friends and colleagues, so I’m taking a spin on the dance floor,” he said.

Dancers win by garnering the most votes, and votes can be cast for a minimum of $1 apiece at
bit.ly/jerrymustdance. All funds raised benefit MUST Ministries, which provides food, housing, financial assistance and other services in Cherokee County.