Bulloch County held its swearing-in ceremony on December 30, 2024, officially welcoming newly elected and returning officials to their roles.
Bulloch County Probate Judge Lorna DeLoach led the ceremony and administered the oaths, with Nevils Trinity Baptist Church Pastor Joe Eason offering an invocation that called for wisdom, courage, and accountability in leadership. Sheriff Noel Brown led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, setting the tone for the ceremony’s emphasis on service and dedication to the community.
Among those sworn in were Bulloch County Commission Chairman David Bennett, Bulloch Commissioners Ray Davis (Seat 2A) and Nick Newkirk (Seat 2C), Sheriff Noel Brown, District Attorney Robert Busbee, and Coroner Chuck Francis.
Also reaffirming their roles were Judge Ronald Thompson, Judge Karen Riggs Jones, Clerk of Court Heather Banks McNeal, Tax Commissioner Leslie Deal Akins, Deputy Coroner Charles R. Francis, and Surveyor John A. Dotson. Each official pledged to uphold the Constitution and serve the people of Bulloch County with integrity.
The ceremony concluded with applause and congratulations, followed by a reception where officials and their families gathered to celebrate. The event not only marked the start of new terms but also reaffirmed the officials' shared commitment to shaping a brighter future for Bulloch County.
Live stream of ceremony
Sheriff Noel Brown
Noel Brown was sworn in to continue his role as Bulloch County Sheriff, a position he has held since 2017. Brown said this will be his last term as Sheriff. A veteran of the United States Air Force and an experienced Georgia Peace Officer, Brown’s tenure has been marked by significant advancements in the Sheriff’s Office, including the expansion of the jail, enhanced training programs for deputies, and the addition of modern equipment to aid in law enforcement.
After graduating from Portal High School, Brown served overseas in England and participated in Operation Desert Storm. He began his law enforcement career as a police officer at Georgia Southern University in 1994 before joining the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office in 1998 under then-Sheriff Arnold Ray Akins. Rising through the ranks, he served as Corporal and supervisor of the Civil/Warrant Division before being elected Sheriff in 2016.
As Sheriff, Brown prioritizes quality training for deputies, particularly in advanced investigative techniques and mental health crisis response. He plans to continue acquiring high-tech equipment to combat violent crime and address serious offenses.
Brown also aims to establish a traffic enforcement unit to handle the growing number of motor vehicle accidents and violations, contingent on increasing staffing levels. His long-term vision includes a strategic ten-year plan to manage the expected population growth in Bulloch County.
Commissioner David Bennett
David Bennett, recently sworn in as Chairman of the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners, is a retired U.S. Army critical care nurse with over two decades of service. After retiring in 2020 and relocating to Bulloch County, he became actively involved in the community, volunteering with local youth programs like Southeast Bulloch FFA and Health Occupations.
Bennett's priorities as Chairman include reducing property taxes, enhancing transparency in government, and ensuring first responders are well-equipped and trained. Bennett continues to work as a Flight Nurse for Air-Evac medical helicopter service based in Statesboro.
Commissioner Ray Edwin Mosley
Ray Mosley was sworn in as Bulloch County Commissioner for District 1, Seat A, continuing a tenure of service that spans nearly two decades. A lifelong Bulloch County resident with over 47 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, Mosley brings a wealth of professional and leadership expertise to the role. Recently retired as Manufacturing Manager at Brodie International, he is committed to serving his community with a focus on public safety, infrastructure, and economic development.
Under Mosley’s leadership, the county has prioritized equipping law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS teams to meet the demands of a growing population. He has also been instrumental in addressing the challenges of maintaining and improving nearly 700 miles of unpaved roads, with a focus on ensuring safe and reliable transportation for residents. Recognizing the high cost of paving, Mosley continues to advocate for strategic investments to enhance Bulloch County’s infrastructure.
Collaboration is at the heart of Mosley’s vision for economic development. By fostering partnerships with the City of Statesboro, the Bulloch County Development Authority, local educational institutions, and the Board of Education, he aims to create jobs and reduce the county’s poverty rate, which currently hovers between 20 and 22 percent. Dedicated to building a brighter future for Bulloch County, Mosley strives to live by his personal mission to “impact those around him in a positive way.”
Commissioner Ray Davis
Ray Davis was sworn into Bulloch County Board of Commissioners Seat 2A for a full four year term, bringing decades of experience and deep community ties to the role. A 6th-generation farmer in Stilson, Davis has a long history of service, including time on the Statesboro-Bulloch Parks & Recreation Board, where he helped establish Mill Creek Park and improve recreational facilities across the county. Davis was appointed in October to finish the term of Commissioner Curt Deal after Deal resigned.
Davis, who attended Southeast Bulloch High School and later pursued higher education at South Georgia Junior College and West Georgia College, also worked as a coach at Portal High School before returning to farming in 1980. He and his wife, Belinda Lee Davis, a retired library media specialist from the Leefield community, are both deeply rooted in Bulloch County’s history and growth.
As Commissioner, Davis plans to focus on critical issues like water management, advocating for state-level indemnification related to Hyundai wells, addressing property tax deficits from industry abatements, managing population growth through subdivision approvals, and exploring solutions to reduce county garbage disposal costs.
Commissioner Nick G. Newkirk
Nick Newkirk was sworn into Bulloch County Board of Commissioners Seat 2C, bringing a strong background in construction management, small business ownership, and community service to his new role. A 2002 graduate of Southern Tech in Marietta with a degree in Construction Management, Newkirk has over a decade of experience in utility contracting and land development. Since moving to Bulloch County more than 20 years ago, he has become a familiar face in local youth programs, children's ministry, and hurricane relief efforts, including work in Florida after Hurricane Ian.
Newkirk, who owns Crazy Nick's Inflatables and other small businesses, has been married to his wife, April, for 20 years. Together, they are raising four sons, all actively involved in scouting, youth sports, and community activities.
As Commissioner, Newkirk aims to lower taxes through efficient budgeting, advocating for a detailed review of county departments to identify potential savings. He has also made road infrastructure a top priority, focusing on addressing issues like flooding and the strain of increasing traffic from new developments. Additionally, Newkirk emphasizes preserving Bulloch County’s farming heritage by supporting local farmers and protecting farmland from being overtaken by subdivisions and warehouses.
Judge Ronnie Thompson
Ronnie Thompson was sworn in as a Superior Court Judge for the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit, returning to his roots to serve Bulloch, Effingham, Jenkins, and Screven counties. Judge Thompson, appointed by Governor Brian Kemp to the bench in 2022 to fill a new seat on the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit. He brings 33 years of legal and judicial experience to the bench, including 19 years as State Court Judge for Effingham County. With a strong focus on fairness and respect for all, he emphasizes patience and ensuring that every individual is heard, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Born in Savannah and raised on Tybee Island, Judge Thompson returned to the region after law school, where he worked as a public defender in the Ogeechee Circuit. He later settled in Effingham County with his wife, Crystal, where they raised five children and now enjoy five grandchildren. Known for his dedication to the justice system, he is a recipient of the Champion of Justice Award from the Georgia Council of State Court Judges.
Judge Karen Riggs Jones
Karen Riggs Jones was sworn in to continue her role as Chief Magistrate Judge of Bulloch County, a position she has held since her appointment in 2023 by Chief Superior Court Judge Gates Peed. Judge Jones brings over 35 years of experience in the Magistrate Court, having served in every capacity from Deputy Clerk to Chief Clerk and Deputy Magistrate before stepping into her current role. Her leadership has been pivotal in improving court efficiency and accessibility for the public.
Judge Jones has worked alongside retired Chief Magistrate Judge June Bradley Braswell for over two decades, earning Braswell’s endorsement during her campaign earlier this year. Judge Braswell described Jones as “a woman of great intellect, character, compassion, and determination,” whose commitment has significantly contributed to the Magistrate Court’s growth and success.
In her current role, Judge Jones has focused on streamlining court operations, including restructuring hearing schedules to manage a growing caseload. She and Judge Lynn Sapp maintain 24/7 availability for law enforcement and have implemented improvements such as issuing bonds for eligible arrests. Judge Jones reaffirmed her commitment to serving the community and continuing to adapt the court to meet Bulloch County’s needs.
District Attorney Dale Robert Busbee
Robert Busbee was sworn in as the District Attorney for the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit, bringing a results-driven mindset and private sector experience to the role. A graduate of Georgia Southern University and Georgia State University College of Law, Busbee has operated a successful private practice since 2014, focusing on criminal cases in Bulloch County and the surrounding area.
As a small business owner, Busbee has managed tight budgets without relying on external financial support, a skill he plans to apply to the DA’s Office. His commitment to fiscal responsibility is reflected in his concerns over the rising costs of the office, which has seen significant budget increases in recent years. Busbee aims to rein in spending while maintaining high standards of service.
Busbee's top priority as District Attorney is to elevate the standard of justice in the circuit, ensuring serious offenses are met with appropriately rigorous prosecution. He emphasized that lenient sentences for severe crimes, such as ten years for murder, will not be acceptable outcomes under his leadership. Drawing on his private practice experience, Busbee expects excellence and accountability from himself and his team.
Clerk of Court Heather Banks McNeal
Heather Banks McNeal was sworn in to continue serving as Clerk of Superior, State, and Juvenile Courts of Bulloch County, a role she has held since her election in 2014. With over a decade of experience in court operations and public administration, McNeal is a dedicated public servant and leader in Bulloch County’s justice system.
A lifelong resident of Statesboro and a graduate of Statesboro High School, McNeal earned a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies and a Master of Public Administration from Georgia Southern University. In 2020 she completed her PHD in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Organizational Leadership. Before becoming Clerk of Court, she worked as a DUI Court Coordinator and held positions as an adjunct professor at Georgia Southern and East Georgia State College, teaching courses such as Judicial Process and Constitutional Law. She also served as Bulloch County’s Human Resources Director, where she oversaw compliance, staffing, and training programs for county employees.
In her role as Clerk, McNeal is committed to maintaining efficient court operations and serving the citizens of Bulloch County with integrity and professionalism. Her extensive experience in both education and public administration positions her as a strong advocate for the county’s legal and governmental systems.
Tax Commissioner Leslie Deal Akins
Leslie Deal Akins was sworn in for her second term as Bulloch County Tax Commissioner. She is continuing nearly two decades of experience in the Tax Commissioner’s office to her. A lifelong Bulloch County resident, Akins has worked in every area of the office, including as an administrative assistant, tax/tag clerk, bookkeeper, and most recently, as Delinquent Tax Administrator since 2013. Her extensive knowledge and hands-on experience have earned her respect and trust from both her colleagues and the community.
Akins is dedicated to balancing compassion with accountability in her work, especially when assisting taxpayers facing financial difficulties. She takes pride in educating residents about the importance of keeping taxes current and providing guidance on payment arrangements and deadlines. “It’s a daily balance of caring about people while also enforcing the rules. While the job can be challenging, it’s rewarding to see people succeed in managing their responsibilities as property owners,” Akins said.
Outside of her professional role, Akins is deeply involved in the Bulloch County community. She resides in Statesboro with her husband, Stan, and their children, and she is an active member of Connection Church, the Statesboro Service League, and other local organizations.
Coroner Charles R. Francis
Chuck Francis was sworn in as the Bulloch County Coroner, continuing over two decades of service in the Coroner’s Office. Born and raised in Bulloch County, Francis has dedicated his career to public service, beginning as a volunteer firefighter in his early twenties and later advancing through roles as an EMT, paramedic, and nurse. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which he earned while working as a paramedic and pursuing his education at Georgia Southern University.
With 22 years of experience as a Deputy Coroner, Francis brings a wealth of medical expertise and a deep understanding of death investigation to the position. He plans to maintain the high standards of care and compassion that Bulloch County citizens deserve, drawing on his extensive healthcare background to ensure thorough and competent investigations.
Francis emphasized his commitment to upholding the laws governing death investigations and utilizing all available resources to accurately determine the cause and manner of death.
Surveyor John A. Dotson
John Dotson was sworn in as Bulloch County Surveyor, continuing in a role focused on the precise measurement, mapping, and analysis of land within the county. Dotson, who ran unopposed in this election, serves as an integral part of Bulloch County’s land management and development processes.
As County Surveyor, Dotson’s responsibilities include determining and verifying property boundaries, maintaining accurate land ownership records, and producing official maps based on surveyed data. He also plays a role in reviewing subdivision plans to ensure regulatory compliance and may contribute to drainage management and civil engineering projects within the county. This position requires legal authority to define property boundaries, professional land surveying credentials, and collaboration with other county departments, such as planning and development.
Dotson’s work ensures that Bulloch County’s land records and boundaries are maintained with accuracy and integrity, supporting property owners, developers, and local government agencies in their operations and growth initiatives.
