Cobb County Government Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cobb County Government has 7 executives leading key functions including administration, financial management, operational oversight, human resources, information technology, fiscal planning, and service delivery.

Committed to public safety and health services, Cobb County Government maintains a robust framework for delivering essential community resources while ensuring transparent governance and sustainable regional development across the county.

Leadership Roles at Cobb County Government

  • Chief Financial Officer - James Pehrson
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Curtis Tesar
  • Chief Operating Officer - Don Beaver
  • Chief of Staff - Kimberly Taylor
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - James Harner
  • Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services - Kimberly Lemley
  • Chief Operations Officer - Ashuana Gbye
  • James Pehrson - Chief Financial Officer

    James Pehrson, the Chief Financial Officer at Cobb County Government, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire organization. Pehrson oversees the allocation of public funds to critical sectors, including public safety and health services, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. By architecting long-term financial strategies, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the economic stability necessary for sustained community growth. James Pehrson directs the auditing processes and financial reporting, providing transparency to the public and stakeholders. This leadership role involves evaluating revenue streams and expenditure patterns to maximize the impact of taxpayer dollars. Through prudent fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates financial risks and supports the expansion of essential infrastructure. Pehrson ensures that all financial operations align with the strategic objectives of the county, fostering a culture of accountability and fiscal responsibility across every department.

    Curtis Tesar - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Curtis Tesar, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Cobb County Government, directs the tactical execution of budgetary controls and financial reporting. Tesar oversees the daily monitoring of departmental expenditures to ensure strict adherence to the approved fiscal plan. By analyzing financial data, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer provides actionable insights that support the strategic decisions of the executive team. Curtis Tesar manages the preparation of financial statements and coordinates with external auditors to verify the accuracy of fiscal records. This leadership role involves identifying cost-saving opportunities and optimizing internal financial processes to improve overall efficiency. Through the rigorous application of accounting standards, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial health of the organization. Tesar supports the broader financial mission by ensuring that resources are distributed effectively to sustain public safety and health services, thereby contributing to the long-term economic stability of the county.

    Don Beaver - Chief Operating Officer

    Don Beaver, the Chief Operating Officer at Cobb County Government, directs the daily execution of essential services and public infrastructure projects. Beaver oversees the operational logistics for public safety departments, ensuring that emergency response systems function at peak capacity. By implementing process improvements, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the efficiency of health service delivery across the region. Don Beaver coordinates with other executive leaders to align operational output with the strategic goals of the county. This leadership role involves managing large-scale service initiatives and optimizing the use of physical assets to support community needs. Through the application of data-driven management techniques, the Chief Operating Officer identifies bottlenecks and executes solutions to improve service quality. Beaver maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the government authority provides reliable and consistent support to the residents of the county.

    Kimberly Taylor - Chief of Staff

    Kimberly Taylor, the Chief of Staff at Cobb County Government, directs administrative operations and coordinates strategic initiatives across all departments. Taylor manages high-level communications between the executive office and various public safety agencies to ensure alignment with county mandates. By streamlining internal workflows, the Chief of Staff optimizes the delivery of essential health services to the local population. Kimberly Taylor facilitates cross-functional collaboration, ensuring that departmental goals support the broader mission of the government authority. This leadership role involves monitoring project timelines and resource allocation to maintain operational efficiency. Through rigorous oversight of administrative policies, the Chief of Staff strengthens the organizational structure. Taylor drives improvements in service accessibility, ensuring that the needs of the community remain the primary focus of all administrative actions. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff secures the operational integrity required for effective public governance.

    James Harner - Chief Human Resources Officer

    James Harner, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cobb County Government, directs the talent acquisition, retention, and workforce development strategies for the entire organization. Harner oversees the management of personnel policies that support the staff responsible for public safety and health services. By architecting comprehensive training programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce possesses the skills necessary to meet evolving community demands. James Harner facilitates organizational culture initiatives that promote employee engagement and professional growth. This leadership role involves managing labor relations and ensuring compliance with employment laws to maintain a stable and productive work environment. Through the implementation of performance management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives accountability and excellence across all departments. Harner aligns human capital strategies with the broader mission of the county, ensuring that the organization attracts and retains top-tier talent to serve the public interest.
    James Harner

    Kimberly Lemley - Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services

    Kimberly Lemley, the Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services at Cobb County Government, directs the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks that support all government functions. Lemley oversees the implementation of advanced technology solutions to improve the delivery of public safety and health services. By architecting scalable cloud systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that data remains secure and accessible for critical decision-making processes. Kimberly Lemley manages the integration of new software platforms to streamline administrative workflows and enhance public engagement. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to identify technological needs and executing digital transformation projects that increase operational efficiency. Through the maintenance of robust network systems, the Chief Information Officer protects the integrity of government information. Lemley drives innovation in the digital space, ensuring that the county remains at the forefront of technological advancement to better serve the community.

    Ashuana Gbye - Chief Operations Officer

    Ashuana Gbye, the Chief Operations Officer at Cobb County Government, directs the implementation of service-oriented programs and community-facing initiatives. Gbye oversees the operational performance of health service departments, ensuring that public programs meet the specific needs of the local population. By architecting streamlined service delivery models, the Chief Operations Officer improves the accessibility and quality of government assistance. Ashuana Gbye coordinates with cross-functional teams to resolve operational challenges and enhance the effectiveness of public safety outreach. This leadership role involves managing the lifecycle of community projects and ensuring that all operational activities align with the strategic vision of the county. Through the continuous evaluation of service metrics, the Chief Operations Officer drives improvements in public satisfaction and operational output. Gbye maintains a focus on community impact, ensuring that the government authority delivers essential services with precision, reliability, and a commitment to excellence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cobb County Government Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cobb County Government?
    Cobb County Government is led by James Pehrson (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Curtis Tesar (Deputy Chief Financial Officer) and Don Beaver (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Cobb County Government’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cobb County Government includes leaders such as James Pehrson (Chief Financial Officer), Curtis Tesar (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), Don Beaver (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cobb County Government have?
    Cobb County Government has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cobb County Government’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cobb County Government includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Human Resources Officer.