Cobb County Manager, Dr. Jackie McMorris Holds the Reins in Police Chief Pick, not Cupid

Cobb County, Ga. — While speculation swirls over who will lead Cobb County’s police department, one fact is clear: the real power lies with the county manager, not the chair.

Since Chief Stuart VanHoozer retired in April, interim Chief James Ferrell has run the department. Reports surfaced last week that former Atlanta and Louisville Chief Erika Shields is the likely choice of Cobb Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, but Cupid has refused to comment.

Cupid may favor Shields as the next chief, but the County Manager, Dr. Jackie McMorris, holds the “real” authority to make the final decision—a reminder that Cobb operates under a County Manager form of government.

As Chair, Cupid has often tried to wrestle power from McMorris, often overstepping her boundaries and ignoring the clear lines of authority in the county’s manager form of government—a dynamic that has highlighted ongoing tension over key decisions.

Diversity of One
Members of the community also point to Cupid’s questionable history when it comes to diversity, saying she frequently touts being the first Black woman to lead Cobb County to everyone in earshot, but she does not support other Blacks. They note that Cupid has a disturbing pattern of blocking other Black leaders from advancement as she points to the need for diversity in Cobb. One example referenced is her lone vote against McMorris’ appointment as the first Black woman County Manager. Despite the overwhelming support McMorris received from white members of the commission, Cupid, the lone Black commissioner at the time, voted against McMorris. They also cite reports of her alleged opposition to former Deputy Police Chief Scott Hamilton being considered for the open Police Chief role. She didn’t support him as he sought the role years ago when VanHoozer was appointed instead of Hamilton. Yet she supports someone for Cobb who left Atlanta after controversy. They also point to Cupid’s disturbing efforts to prevent other Cobb Black leaders from progressing by making late night calls to block votes or appointments to boards and commissions. They say Cupid’s actions show that when it comes to diversity in Cobb, she only cares about diversity for one, herself.

Many in the community are questioning Shields’ potential appointment, noting her departures from Atlanta and Louisville amid controversy. They also cite concerns being raised by felloow officrs. Observers suggest Cupid’s push for Shields is less about diversity or qualifications and more about creating a distraction to keep residents occupied while she advances hurtful initiatives such as the water tax and other unpopular policies.

County Manager form of Government
Under Cobb’s county manager form of government, the appointment of department heads is ultimately the county manager’s responsibility, with the chair and commissioners voting only to approve recommendations.

“Essentially, the county manager brings forth their recommendation,” said Commissioner Keli Gambrill. “…We’re a county manager form of government, not a chair-focused county.”

Gambrill pointed to the county code, which  gives the county manager authority to hire and set pay for employees, while the chair can appoint heads only from a list provided by the manager and with the consent of the majority of the board.

The manager’s role is designed to professionalize county operations and prevent political influence from dominating high-level decisions.

“Everybody needs to remember — in Cobb, the county manager calls the shots,” Gambrill said.

Gambrill noted the next chance for a vote could come at the board’s meetings on Oct. 14 or 28, though she would not speculate on Shields’ prospects.

Who is Erika Shields
Shields made history as Atlanta’s first openly gay Chief and the city’s second female chief before resigning in 2020 following the shooting of Rayshard Brooks. She later served as Louisville’s Chief of Police from 2021 to 2023, saying she left because of political reasons.

Since April, former Deputy Chief James Ferrell has served as interim chief following Stuart VanHoozer’s retirement. Many say Cobb should continue with Ferrell. The final recommendation is expected to come before the Board of Commissioners soon.

As the board awaits a formal recommendation, all eyes are on County Manager McMorris, whose choice will determine the next leader of Cobb’s law enforcement — and who holds the real authority in the county’s government system.

If you were not aware of Cobb County’s Government and Who Calls the Shots, here is a tutorial:

Form of Government:

• Cobb County operates under a county manager form of government.
• This system emphasizes professional administration over political leadership.

County Manager (Jackie McMorris)

• Appoints department heads and sets salaries.
• Recommends key hires, including the police chief, to the Board of Commissioners.
• Oversees day-to-day operations of county government.
• Ensures that county policies are implemented efficiently, independent of political influence.

County Chair (Lisa Cupid)

• Presides over Board of Commissioners meetings.
• Appoints department heads only from a list provided by the county manager.
• Works with commissioners to approve or reject manager recommendations.
• Primarily a political and ceremonial role — not a hiring authority.

Board of Commissioners

• Votes to approve appointments recommended by the manager.
• Can provide input or delay votes but cannot directly hire department heads.

Key Takeaway:
Even if the chair has a favorite candidate, the county manager has the authority to formally select who is recommended. In Cobb, the manager is the real power behind major administrative decisions, including who will lead the police department.