Gov. Brian Kemp appoints first Black woman to lead Georgia Technology Authority

Gov. Brian Kemp has selected Shawnzia Thomas to become the new executive director of the Georgia Technology Authority. The Georgia Technology Authority Board voted June 17th to appoint Thomas as its new Executive Director, making her the state’s new Chief Information Officer and the first African American woman to lead this state role. Thomas will begin the transition into this role on June 21 and will officially begin serving on July 1, 2021.

Thomas has worked for the State of Georgia for over thirteen years, integrating technology in all sectors of state government to improve constituent services and better serve Georgians. Most recently, Thomas served as Assistant Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Services. She previously served as Executive Director of the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity and Director of the Georgia Secretary of State’s Corporations Division.

A Macon, Georgia native, Thomas, received her undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University and Master’s in Public Administration from the University of West Georgia. She serves as a Commissioner on the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity’s Advisory Board and a member of the Hospitality Ministry at Chapelhill Church in Atlanta.

Thomas was selected to fill the role vacated by Calvin Rhodes, who is retiring after 10 years as Executive Director and CIO.