Cobb Sheriff announces new Chief of Staff, David Jones

Following his former chief of staff being arrested and charged with insurance fraud, Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens announced that he has appointed David Jones as his new chief of staff. His appointment will be effective May 28.

Jones received his undergraduate degree in management from Kennesaw State University, a master’s degree in global business from Georgia Tech, and international certification in business from Beijing University.

Jones’s community engagement includes serving as a board member of the Boys & Girls Club of North Metro Atlanta and the president of the Marietta City Schools Advisory Board and Marietta Mentoring for Leadership.

Prior to his appointment by Sheriff Owens, Jones served as director of fixed assets advisory services for Kroll, a business consulting and services company. He brings to his new role executive skills including project management, budget supervision, strategic planning, business development, proposals and bidding, marketing strategy and leadership, and team building.

These skill sets align with his duties, which will include overseeing department heads of several divisions within the sheriff’s office – communications, community affairs, information technology, and project management. 

In announcing Jones’ appointment, Sheriff Owens said, “When I became Sheriff of Cobb County, I set goals to rebuild trust within the community, increase transparency with the public, modernize our facilities, and professionalize our operations. As a Cobb County native, David understands firsthand the importance of these goals and will oversee the departments that will make it happen.”

Owens said, “As a civilian executive, David brings a fresh perspective and more than 18 years of leadership and team-building experience to the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. We are excited to welcome him to the family.”

Major Braxton Cotton, who previously served the office in this role is accused of lying about a hit-and-run incident that involved lobbyist Deanna Harris, according to a police report. Nikki Glanton, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said that as the internal investigation into Cotton continues, he has been reassigned to the Adult Detention Center Division.