Cobb County Government Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cobb County Government has 6 executives leading key functions including administrative strategy, financial management, human resources, information technology, legal operations, and solicitor support.

Committed to public service excellence, Cobb County Government delivers essential health and safety infrastructure while maintaining transparent governance for all residents across the region.

Leadership Roles at Cobb County Government

  • Chief Financial Officer - Buddy Tesar
  • Chief of Staff - Jennifer Daniel
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - James Harner
  • Chief Information Officer, Information Services - Kimberly Lemley
  • Chief of Staff & Apos S Office Solicitor - Young Tae
  • Attorney - Amelia Pray
  • Buddy Tesar - Chief Financial Officer

    Buddy Tesar, the Chief Financial Officer at Cobb County Government, directs the fiscal strategy and budgetary planning for the entire organization. Tesar oversees the allocation of public funds, ensuring that essential services like public safety and health receive adequate financial support. By implementing robust accounting standards, the Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency and accountability in all monetary transactions. This leadership role involves analyzing economic trends to forecast revenue requirements and manage long-term capital investments. Buddy Tesar collaborates with other executive leaders to balance competing departmental needs while adhering to strict regulatory compliance. Through meticulous management of the county budget, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial stability necessary for sustainable growth. Tesar drives fiscal discipline, ensuring that every dollar contributes to the effective delivery of public services and the overall economic health of the region.
    Buddy Tesar

    Jennifer Daniel - Chief of Staff

    Jennifer Daniel, the Chief of Staff at Cobb County Government, coordinates high-level administrative operations to ensure alignment with county-wide policy objectives. Daniel manages interdepartmental workflows, facilitating communication between executive leadership and various public service divisions. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff enhances the efficiency of essential government functions. This role involves monitoring project timelines and resource allocation to support the broader mission of public safety and health services. Jennifer Daniel maintains rigorous oversight of organizational priorities, ensuring that all administrative actions reflect the strategic goals of the county. Through proactive management of daily operations, the Chief of Staff fosters a cohesive environment that allows departments to deliver consistent results. Ultimately, Daniel strengthens the operational foundation required to support the diverse needs of the community while maintaining fiscal responsibility and administrative integrity across all government sectors.

    James Harner - Chief Human Resources Officer

    James Harner, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cobb County Government, manages the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies for the entire public sector organization. Harner designs comprehensive programs to recruit, train, and retain skilled professionals dedicated to public safety and health services. By fostering a culture of professional growth, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains capable of meeting evolving community demands. This role involves overseeing labor relations, benefits administration, and performance management systems to maintain high operational standards. James Harner collaborates with department heads to align staffing levels with critical service requirements. Through the implementation of equitable policies and inclusive hiring practices, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the organizational structure. Harner drives employee engagement initiatives, ensuring that the staff remains motivated and equipped to provide high-quality services to the residents of the county.
    James Harner

    Kimberly Lemley - Chief Information Officer, Information Services

    Kimberly Lemley, the Chief Information Officer, Information Services at Cobb County Government, architects the digital infrastructure and technology strategy for the entire county. Lemley oversees the implementation of secure data systems that support public safety and health service delivery. By modernizing legacy platforms, the Chief Information Officer, Information Services ensures that government operations remain efficient and accessible to the public. This role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive resident information and maintaining robust network connectivity across all regional facilities. Kimberly Lemley collaborates with other executives to integrate data-driven decision-making into daily government functions. Through the deployment of innovative software solutions, the Chief Information Officer, Information Services enhances the transparency and responsiveness of public services. Lemley drives technological advancement, ensuring that the county maintains a resilient digital environment capable of supporting the complex needs of a growing population.

    Young Tae - Chief of Staff & Apos S Office Solicitor

    Young Tae, the Chief of Staff & Apos S Office Solicitor at Cobb County Government, manages the legal and administrative support functions within the Solicitor's office. Tae oversees the coordination of legal workflows, ensuring that all prosecutorial and administrative tasks align with county mandates. By facilitating communication between legal teams and other government departments, the Chief of Staff & Apos S Office Solicitor maintains operational continuity in the justice system. This role involves managing case documentation, resource scheduling, and procedural compliance to support the effective administration of law. Young Tae collaborates with legal staff to optimize the processing of cases, thereby enhancing the efficiency of public safety initiatives. Through meticulous oversight of office operations, the Chief of Staff & Apos S Office Solicitor ensures that legal services remain accessible and effective. Tae drives procedural excellence, supporting the broader mission of maintaining order and justice within the community.

    Amelia Pray - Attorney

    Amelia Pray, the Attorney at Cobb County Government, provides essential legal counsel and representation for the county across various regulatory and public service matters. Pray interprets complex statutes to ensure that all government actions comply with state and federal laws. By advising department heads on legal risks, the Attorney helps safeguard the integrity of public safety and health service programs. This role involves drafting legal documents, managing litigation, and negotiating contracts that support the county's operational objectives. Amelia Pray collaborates with other legal professionals to resolve disputes and protect the interests of the local government. Through the application of deep legal expertise, the Attorney ensures that all policies are implemented within the framework of the law. Pray drives legal clarity, providing the necessary guidance to maintain the smooth functioning of government services while upholding the rights and responsibilities of the county.

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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 Buddy Tesar (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Jennifer Daniel (Chief of Staff) and James Harner (Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of Cobb County Government’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cobb County Government includes leaders such as Buddy Tesar (Chief Financial Officer), Jennifer Daniel (Chief of Staff), James Harner (Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cobb County Government have?
    Cobb County Government has 6 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, Chief of Staff, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Information Officer, Information Services, Chief of Staff & Apos S Office Solicitor.