This page highlights the individuals who have led Towns County through its system of local government, from its earliest days to the present. When the county was established in 1856, leadership was placed in the hands of an “Ordinary,” a position that combined judicial, administrative, and financial responsibilities and played a key role in shaping the county’s foundation.

 

As government structures evolved across Georgia, many counties transitioned to multi-member boards of commissioners.

Towns County, however, adopted and continues to operate under a Sole Commissioner system, a form of government in which one elected official is responsible for overseeing county operations, finances, infrastructure, and policy decisions. This system centralizes leadership and places a high level of responsibility on a single individual to guide the direction of the county.

​

The Sole Commissioner system has been a defining feature of Towns County’s governance for much of its modern history, reflecting a tradition of streamlined decision-making and direct accountability to the public. From the early Ordinaries to today’s Sole Commissioners, this page recognizes the individuals who have carried forward the responsibility of leading Towns County and serving its citizens.