(Lawrenceville, Ga., Sept. 1, 2009) - The Gwinnett Board of Commissioners today approved an employment contract with Glenn P. Stephens as County Administrator to succeed Jock Connell, who is retiring at the end of this year. Stephens' appointment is effective immediately.

Chairman Charles Bannister said, "We're very fortunate to have Glenn lead our County through the turbulent times ahead. As Planning and Development Director for the past three years, he faced some of the sharpest declines in commercial and residential development we've ever seen and had to make significant staff cuts while maintaining the high service levels Gwinnett citizens expect. His leadership skills were refined during that challenging period while his eight years as Assistant County Attorney gave him valuable background on the organization as a whole."

District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau said, "Glenn led the creation of the 2030 Unified Plan that will guide future land use and community development decisions in Gwinnett for the next quarter century. This plan, which resulted from a great deal public and professional input, reflects in a way Glenn's approach - considering many different angles and designing solid solutions to challenges."

District 2 Commissioner Bert Nasuti added, "He also reorganized the department to consolidate development review services and personnel, and he implemented a new wireless system to improve efficiency. His proven track record will serve the county well as he moves into this new role."

Prior to his appointment in Planning and Development, Stephens was Senior Assistant County Attorney specializing in land use, zoning laws, and litigation. His 22 years of experience includes some private practice, but the vast majority of his expertise comes from representing DeKalb and Gwinnett County governments and several area municipalities.

"Being a lawyer by training, he knows how to get issues resolved," Commissioner Kevin Kenerly of District 4 said. "Those skills will help Gwinnett County move forward despite the many complicated issues on the table." 

Stephens' five-year contract has a renewal option, an annual salary of $228,000 and requires an annual market analysis of similar positions in Cobb and Fulton counties and the City of Atlanta. Gwinnett County government has almost 5,000 employees and an annual budget of about $1.5 billion.

The newest commissioner, Shirley Lasseter of District 1, said, "I'm confident that Glenn is well prepared by his professional and educational experience plus a great working relationship with the commissioners to meet the challenges ahead and determine our county's future success."

Stephens graduated from Mercer University with a degree in political science and earned a J.D. degree from the Walter F. George School of Law of Mercer University in 1987. Stephens and his wife Carole have lived in Snellville since 1991. They have two sons.