New Commissioner, Tax Commissioner, Probate Judge join slate of county elected officials

As the calendar turns to 2025, Emanuel County ushers in a new era of leadership with the swearing-in of four officials—three newcomers and one re-elected commissioner. Each brings a unique perspective and energy to their roles, ready to serve the community and build on the foundation laid by their predecessors. Joining them are three seasoned leaders who quietly reaffirmed their oaths, continuing their legacy of service. Together, these officials represent a blend of fresh enthusiasm and steadfast experience.

John Moore joins the Commission

John Moore is Emanuel County’s newest commissioner. His four-year term serving District 3 began January 1, 2025. Though new to politics, his journey to this role began with his primary campaign in May 2024, culminating in a runoff victory in June. Running unopposed in November, John was sworn in on Monday, December 23, at the courthouse by retiring probate judge Don Wilkes.

His wife, Becky; daughters, Paige Ross and Jessica Shurling, and grandchildren, Jackson, John Paul, and Jase proudly stood by his side during the ceremony.

Reflecting on his new role, John expressed gratitude for the community’s trust and support. “It’s an honor to serve District 3, especially following Commissioner Hugh Foskey’s 20 years of service. I’ve been preparing for months by attending meetings and connecting with our county team, and now I’m ready to hit the ground running. If there’s ever a way I can assist you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”

A full profile on Commissioner Moore will be shared in the coming weeks.

Jessica “Jessie” Underwood Moran becomes Tax Commissioner

Jessica “Jessie” Underwood Moran is now in her first term as Emanuel County’s tax commissioner, succeeding Sandra Wright, who retired in December after nearly five decades with the office. Jessie ran unopposed in the March 2024 general primary and was sworn in on Tuesday, December 31, by Superior Court Judge Robert S. “Bobby” Reeves.

Her parents, Windy and Tonia Underwood; husband, Mike; daughter, Havilah; sister, Jade Mason; and niece, Dekota Mason attended the ceremony to show their support.

“I’m excited to serve as your new tax commissioner. Having worked with this office for 11 years altogether now, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication it takes to serve this community—at the tag office especially. I left the tax commissioner’s office for just a short while, but I ultimately came back because I have a passion for helping people. Fortunately, I’m inheriting a well-oiled machine, thanks to Mrs. Sandra, and I’m committed to maintaining the excellence the taxpayers and citizens of Emanuel County expect and deserve.”

Moran was born and raised in Emanuel County as well, and she graduated from ECI in 2006. She later attended Georgia Southern University, where she earned a degree in public relations in 2018.

Jessie began her career with the Emanuel County Tax Commissioner’s Office in 2013 as a clerk, a role she held for five years until 2018.

After a brief internship with Georgia Southern University’s Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing in mid-2018, she worked as a digital media specialist at Metter Ford from March 2019 to March 2020.

Jessie then returned to the Emanuel County Tax Commissioner’s Office in 2020 as a clerk. Her dedication and expertise led to her promotion to deputy tax commissioner in June 2023.

In May 2024, Jessie ran unopposed in the primary election for the post of tax commissioner and officially took office in January 2025, bringing with her a strong commitment to work and community.

She is the daughter of Windy and Tonia Underwood.

Outside of her professional role, Jessie enjoys being a loving wife to Michael Moran and a devoted mom to their daughter, Havilah. When she’s not working, she loves spending time at home, frequently doing renovation projects and creating a warm, welcoming environment for her family.

Chase Sherrod joins Emanuel County as Probate Judge

Chase Sherrod is Emanuel County’s new probate judge, stepping into a role that will soon expand with the anticipated consolidation of the probate and magistrate courts. The (Emanuel County Board of Commissioners initiated this process in 2024 and is now awaiting state recognition to finalize the change.) Once completed, Sherrod will also assume the responsibilities of magistrate judge, leading the newly combined court system.

Chase was sworn in on December 31 alongside Jessie by Judge Reeves. Reflecting on his current role and the coming consolidation, he emphasized the impact probate work has on the community. “Probate work is about life’s big moments: marriages, estates, births, and more. It’s a privilege to guide our community through these milestones, and I look forward to taking on the added responsibilities of a heading the magistrate court when the time comes,” Chase said.

Chase’s family—parents District 4 Commissioner Jim Sherrod and Bobbie Sherrod; brother Zach Sherrod and his wife Heather Sherrod; sister Shea Sherrod and her son Tate Wilkes; grandmother Helen Sherrod; and other loved ones including grandmother Judy Chapman; aunt Mandy Carter; cousin Heather Sapp; and close friends Willie and Annette Worthen—joined him for the occasion.

Chase expressed his thanks for their attendance and acknowledged their role in shaping who he is and supporting him in his personal, professional, and political endeavors as of late.

He also thanked various mentors who shaped his journey, including Judge Reeves and retiring Judge Don Wilkes, who ceremoniously passed the gavel to him after his oath. “I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredible leaders, Judge Reeves and Judge Wilkes being two of them. Judge Reeves gave me a job when I was an intern, and Judge Wilkes took me under his wing at the probate court a few months ago so I could come in and get hands-on experience and learn the ropes before I took office. With their guidance and the support of this community, I’m ready to serve. I came back home after law school because I wanted to make a difference. That starts today. Today is about you—the people of this community. I’m proud to be here, and if I can ever help you and your family, I hope you’ll call on me to do it.”

Sherrod was born and raised in Emanuel County, where his parents, Jim and Bobbie Sherrod, instilled in him a strong sense of duty to his community and a solid work ethic. Growing up, Chase helped out at his family’s small deer processing business, which further shaped his commitment to service. He has two brothers and three sisters. After graduating from ECI in 2012, Chase attended East Georgia State College for two years before transferring to Armstrong Atlantic State University (now Georgia Southern University). He graduated magna cum laude in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Despite initially considering a career in law enforcement, Chase ultimately chose to pursue law, earning his J.D. from Georgia State University’s School of Law in 2020, where he also graduated magna cum laude and in the top 15 percent of his class. Additionally, he earned a Master of Public Administration from Georgia State’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies that same year. During his academic career, Chase earned numerous accolades, including two CALI Excellence for the Future awards, the Catherine Henson Scholarship, the National Engaged Leader Award, and membership in the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He also contributed to academic research and publication, serving as a research assistant for Dr. Kimberly Martin at Armstrong Atlantic State and Professor Julian Juergensmeyer at Georgia State. His legal training included an internship with the Eight Judicial Administrative District of Georgia as well as an internship with the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) for research and policy. Chase is a published scholastic author in International Social Science Review and Academic GMGC, and he has specialized training certificates in Campaign Management and Youth Leadership from The Leadership Institute. In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Chase graduated from law school and returned to Emanuel County, where he began his legal career as an assistant district attorney in the Middle Judicial Circuit, prosecuting cases in Emanuel County and beyond. After nearly three years with the DA’s office, he transitioned to the East-Middle Region Public Defender’s Office, working with Jess Clifton to handle major cases across a 20-county region stretching from Washington County to Charlton County near the Georgia-Florida line. This dual experience in prosecution and defense has provided him with a unique perspective on the criminal justice system. Chase has also contributed to the Emanuel County community by offering pro bono services to the probate court on several occasions. Inspired by his experiences and commitment to public service, he decided to run for probate judge a few years ago. In May 2024, he qualified and ran unopposed in the election. He took office in January 2025. Later this year, the probate court will merge with the magistrate court, making Chase the judge of both courts.

Kawame Coleman continues service as District 1 Commissioner

‘);

Kawame Coleman is beginning a full four-year term representing District 1 after being re-elected in November 2024. Having first stepped into the role in April 2024 to complete the late Commissioner Desse Davis’s term, Kawame’s experience over the past eight months has prepared him for the challenges ahead.

Kawame’s December 23 ceremony, shared with Commissioner Moore, marked a proud moment for his family. His wife Shayla and his cousin Jaime Worthen were present for the event.

“Every day since I first took office last year has been a learning experience. I’ve grown to understand the ins and outs of county government and work hard every day to honor the legacy of Commissioner Davis. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving and look forward to the progress I and my fellow commissioners, along with all the other officials in Emanuel County, can achieve together.”

Kawame Coleman’s political aspirations began at the ballot box in 2020—but not in the way you might expect.

Rather than a specific policy or candidate, it was seeing longtime incumbent Desse Davis’s name on the ticket that got his wheels turning. Mr. Davis had been a towering figure in the community for decades as an educator, church leader, and 25-year commissioner.

Kawame recalls, “In that moment, as I hit that button to vote for Coach Davis, I thought about how big a role he’s played in our community, and I wondered who would fill his shoes one day.”

That reflection marked the start of Kawame’s journey into public service. He began attending county meetings, observing how decisions were made, and seeking guidance from Mr. Davis, who Kawame says later gave his blessing for Kawame to run for the District 1 seat.

And so, Kawame made his first and only political bid to date when he appeared on the county commissioner ballot in March 2024. That race went to a runoff, which he won the following month. He was sworn in on April 15 and, while enthusiastic, he approached his new role with thoughtful observation. In the first few meetings, Kawame often held back, preferring to watch his fellow commissioners and follow their lead. Now, he’s more confident and more active.

Kawame credits much of his growth as a commissioner to the classes he’s taken through the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). So far, he has completed 48 of the required 66 hours of training—just six months into the job. He says these courses have deepened his understanding of county governance, particularly in areas that align with his priorities: economic development, job creation, and easing the tax burden on residents.

One of his proudest moments came with the 5–0 vote to roll back the millage rate, reducing property tax burdens.

“Lowering taxes was one of my main goals. With the millage rate cut, homeowners will see smaller tax bills. It’s a win for everyone.”

Looking ahead, Kawame remains committed to fostering growth and attracting industries to Emanuel County.

“We have so much potential for growth here,” he said. “I want to help shape that in a way that benefits everyone.”

Part of that effort includes Kawame’s service on the Public Facilities Authority (PFA), a board tasked with overseeing the development of public infrastructure that supports this very vision. From parks to government buildings, the PFA plays a crucial role in ensuring that essential projects are well-funded and properly executed to meet the needs of the growing community.

“The work of the PFA is about making sure our infrastructure keeps up with the growth we’re aiming for,” Kawame said. “It’s about ensuring Emanuel County has the facilities and resources to support our future.”

For Kawame, this commitment to Emanuel County isn’t just about his role as commissioner—it’s personal. Born and raised here, he has deep ties to the community and a genuine love for the place he’s always called home.

“It feels good at the end of the day to be on this board and pouring back into the place and the people who raised me.”

A 1995 graduate of Swainsboro High School, Kawame excelled in track and basketball. Over the years, he’s continued to give back as a coach at the rec department and as a mentor for Community Action for Youth. He and his wife, Shayla, are raising their six children in Emanuel County, keeping family, hard work, and service at the heart of their lives.

Fun Fact: Kawame is a certified high school basketball referee. One of his favorite memories is officiating a Swainsboro game at the last minute when the game was nearly canceled due to an official shortage. His alma mater won (without any help from him, of course).

Kristin Hall, Jeffrey Brewer, and Tripp Fitzner reaffirm their commitment to Emanuel County

Clerk of Court Kristin Hall and Sheriff Jeffrey Brewer continue their longstanding service to Emanuel County after being re-elected unopposed. Both leaders, known for their excellence and dedication, quietly reaffirmed their oaths in a shared private ceremony.

Both of them bring a wealth of experience, stability, and public confidence and trust to their roles, and their leadership underscores the county’s focus on continuity and progress, ensuring reliable and effective service for years to come.

District Attorney Tripp Fitzner III also took his oath with Kristin and Jeff. As DA, Tripp represents Emanuel and four other counties in the Middle Judicial Circuit. Like the court clerk and the sheriff, he, too, returned to office without opposition and thus will spend another four years pursuing justice, advocating for victims, and upholding the law across the circuit.

Looking Forward

With their oaths complete, Emanuel County’s newly elected and re-elected officials have hit the ground running. Each of them have completed mandatory training through their respective governing bodies and is eager to serve.

You can check out the scenes from the program in the event’s photo gallery on the Emanuel County Commissioners Website.