GEORGIA - Covington Police Chief Stacey Cotton took a seat at a table Thursday morning in Hiawassee for his first meeting as an appointed member of the Georgia Board of Public Safety. 

Cotton was selected and sworn into his position by Gov. Brian P. Kemp last month at the Capitol. 

"I've known of this board for most of my career," he said. "I have just now started to learn more about what the board's responsibilities are and I am excited to serve."

Cotton, who has been with CPD for more than 30 years, has served as the Chief of Police since 1997. 

On the board, he will have the opportunity to provide oversight and create policies that govern the Georgia Department of Public Safety, Georgia Bureau of Investigations, the Georgia Public Safety Training Center and other state-operated public safety agencies.

Cotton's appointment is one of many recent appointments made by Gov. Kemp from the Newton County community. He said he believes there has always been strong leadership potential within Newton County.

"I think it is an acknowledgment of the longterm leadership of many people around Covington and Newton County that we've always know about and now somebody at the capitol is taken notice," he said.

The Georgia Board of Public Safety was created by the General Assembly in 1972, during a period of reorganization of state government.