Jerry Cooper, native of White Hall, Arkansas, has over thirty-three years’ experience in the local government arena, and served as the County Manager of Cherokee County Government from April 2001 to June 2021. Jerry received his Undergraduate degree in Public Administration, and Master of Public Administration both from the University of Arkansas and earned an Executive Leadership Certificate from Cornell University. In 1988, Jerry accepted a position with the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas and in just under two years was promoted to Staff Administrator. After five years with the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jerry accepted the Assistant City Manager position of the City of Newnan, Georgia, and in 1995 accepted the position as City Manager of the City of Woodstock, Georgia. After six fulfilling years with the City of Woodstock, Jerry made the decision to join Cherokee County Government and continue his journey in local government management.

During his tenure with Cherokee County, Jerry was influential in maintaining one of the lowest tax burdens, debt burdens, and tax spend in the Metro-Atlanta Region and State of Georgia. He was instrumental in improving Community Development operations by reducing the average development plan approval time from 172 days to under 20 days and tenant occupancy permit process from 34 days to six days. His work resulted in Cherokee County Government winning various awards, including the Financial Management and Government Efficiency Award presented by Georgia Trend Magazine and ACCG, and NACo 2020 Achievement Award.