Hall County Administrator Jock Connell said today he will retire next year, and Assistant Administrator Zack Propes has been named to succeed him.
The changes will become effective on March 31, 2023.
“We are fortunate to have had Jock’s leadership and experience over the past several years,” Richard Higgins, chairman of the county commission, said in a news release. “His experience and knowledge in regard to growth and development has been instrumental in guiding this organization and in the development of future leaders.”
Connell retired from Gwinnett County in 2009, after a 23-year-tenue. He joined Hall County as interim administrator in 2011. He served as a special projects manager for several years before being named administrator in 2017. from Gwinnett County, where he was employed for 23 years. Following his retirement, he served as interim Hall County administrator in 2011 and as a special projects manager for the County in subsequent years. He was hired as Hall County Administrator in 2017.
During Connell's tenure, the county adopted a strategic plan, implemented the county's Capital Improvement Plan, created a five-year operating forecast, and established an in-house legal department.
“I have sincerely appreciated the opportunity to serve the citizens of Hall County for the past several years,” Connell said. “During my tenure, I have experienced the benefits of working with wonderful citizens, committed staff and elected officials to accomplish many goals which will benefit the County for years to come.”
Propes was hired as Hall County’s financial services director in 2015 before being named assistant county administrator in December 2019.
He played a key role in responding to both the COVID19 pandemic and the ransomware attack launched against Hall County in October 2020.
“Zach has passionately served the citizens of this community for a number of years, both as a public servant and as a community volunteer,” Higgins said. “We look forward to seeing how he will continue to serve both the citizens of Hall County and this organization as a whole in this new role.”
Connell and Propes will work side by side for the first quarter of the year to ensure a smooth transition in leadership. A permanent replacement for Propes has not yet been named.
