Cobb Reporter

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners has voted to appoint Deputy Chief of Staff Stuart VanHoozer as Cobb County's new police chief, according to a recent report by FOX 5 Atlanta.

VanHoozer will replace Tim Cox, who stepped down as county police chief at the end of 2021 after 36 years with the department, the last to serve in the top job. 

According to the report, VanHoozer started his career in law enforcement more than three decades ago as a beat officer at Precinct 3. Among roles, the new chief had been a deputy chief since 2018 and shared the interim chief position with Deputy Chief Scott Hamilton after Cox’s retirement, the Cobb County Courier reports. 

VanHoozer’s appointment saw unanimous approval from the Board of Commissioners, following a recommendation by Cobb County Manager Dr. Jackie McMorris that he take over as police chief effective immediately, according to the Cobb County Courier.

He comes to the role a Kennesaw State University alum, where FOX 5 reports he earned his bachelor’s degree in public and social services/criminal justice, and a graduate from the 233rd session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy.