Hinesville City Manager Kenneth Howard has promoted former Deputy Court Clerk Malissa Oberlander to court administrator.

Oberlander has been with the city of Hinesville for more than 17 years.

“After the retirement of former Court Administrator Mary Dowd, I conducted an external (search) and realized that we had the talent right here in-house to fill the position,” said Howard. “Malissa has done a wonderful job as deputy court clerk in her time with the city and no one deserves this promotion more than her.”

The promotion also comes with some restructuring to the department. Previously, the court administrator was responsible for managing the clerk’s office and probation services.

After eliminating one of the three deputy clerk positions through Oberlander’s promotion, Howard appointed Hinesville Police Department Capt. Stella Sturling to assume management of probation services.

“By separating the management duties out, it allows for maximum efficiency in both departments,” explained Howard.