Since his hiring as assistant county administrator, Joseph Mosley has been getting prepped to be the next county administrator.

That opportunity is now at hand.

Commissioners unanimously approved hiring Mosley to succeed Joey Brown, who is retiring after more than 30 years as county administrator.

Com missioners made the hire official after an executive session at their meeting Thursday evening.

“This board is looking forward to working with you,” Chairman Donald Lovette told Mosley after the commissioners made his hire official. “You come well recommended, sir.”

Commissioners noted Mosley is succeeding someone who spent decades in the role of running the county’s day-today operations.

“Mr. Mosley, I don’t know what size shoe you wear,” said Commissioner Marion Stevens, “but you got some big footprints to cover. I believe and I trust that you can do it.”

“I hate to see Mr. Brown go — and I know you probably do too — but you’re going to do fine,” Commissioner Connie Thrift added.

Commissioners also pledged their support for Mosley as he begins his new role.

“I’ll be here for you and I know you’ll be here for us,” Commissioner Gary Gilliard said. “It is a tough act to follow but we’ll be here to support you.”

Commissioner Justin Frazier noted he and Mosley have worked on projects together, such as the youth commission and that Brown has been preparing Mosley as his heir apparent.

“I know you will do a good job,” Frazier said.

“You had the best person next to you to learn from. I am excited. It is bittersweet, but I know we’re in good hands.”

Mosley lauded Brown for the work he did as county administrator and in getting him ready to take Brown’s place.

“I thank Joey for mentoring me,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with each and every one of you.”

Mosley was county manager of Wilkinson County before coming to Liberty County in 2020. He also was city manager for Metter for 11 years and director of planning for Statesboro for 10 years.

Mosley holds a masters in public administration from Georgia Southern University.

Lovette added there is a lot of work ahead for the county as Mosley begins his new position.

“This is a progressive county with a lot of projects ahead of us,” he said.