Officials with Hall County Government announce changes to their leadership team, setting the organization up for forward movement in meeting its overall goals and in the implementation of its strategic plan.
“We are excited about these significant steps in our preparation for Hall County’s future,” Hall County Administrator Jock Connell said. “We have thoughtfully and carefully designed a team of individuals that can continue to skillfully lead this organization as Hall County navigates unprecedented growth and development.”
Zach Propes, who currently serves as the director of Hall County Financial Services, has been tapped to fill the role of Assistant County Administrator of Operations. That position is being vacated by Lisa Johnsa, who announced her plans to retire at the end of 2019.
“Since coming on board in 2017, it has been my goal to establish policies and procedures in accordance with best practices within Hall County Government to support governmental functions and produce optimal results,” said Johnsa. “I am pleased with the progress that has been made in that respect, and I am confident Zach will continue to build upon the foundation that has been laid.”
Johnsa, who previously retired as Assistant Gwinnett County Administrator in 2009, said it was imperative to fill her position with someone who possesses both a deep understanding of the entire organization and someone with a strong financial background.
“Since there is a financial component involved in every move made by local government, Zach has an intricate understanding of this organization as a whole and how it operates,” Connell said. “Whether it’s his involvement in one of our department’s master plans, his work with the County’s various stakeholders or his development of crucial programs such as SPLOST, Zach has a strong sense of the County’s overall financial goals and objectives and what is needed to maintain Hall County as a community of choice.”
With Propes’ promotion comes an opening for Hall County’s next Director of Financial Services. Dena Bosten, former Chief Financial Officer for Dawson County Government, has been selected for the job.
“Dena brings a wealth of experience with another local government entity and in the private sector that will undoubtedly serve us well here,” said Connell.
Among her duties at Dawson County, Bosten facilitated the annual audit, prepared the annual budget, oversaw financial services staff, and managed an annual budget of approximately $42.5 million. Bosten is a Certified Public Accountant, received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from North Georgia College and State University and her master’s degree in accounting from Brenau University. She currently serves as a houseparent for Eagle Ranch in south Hall County.
Both Propes and Bosten will officially assume their new roles on Jan. 1, 2020.