Cobb County's Board of Commissioners presented a proclamation to the family of the late David Hankerson, recognizing his 24 years as County Manager and his contributions to the county's success.

The board also voted 5-0 to rename the county's main building on the Marietta Square the "David Hankerson Building."  Hankerson led the county through some of its most formative years.

Mike Plant, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Development for the Atlanta Braves, lauded Hankerson's calm leadership through the often chaotic time of building the stadium and Battery Atlanta.

"He had an incredible wealth of knowledge," Plant said.  "While I felt like my hair was on fire during those days, he was calm, so calm.  There was nothing I saw that ever rattled him."

Plant presented the family with a Braves jersey signed by the entire team.

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Hankerson's wife, Janet, thanked the board and the Braves.  "David truly loved Cobb County," Mrs. Hankerson said. "Knowing David, he is looking down upon us with a big smile on his face acknowledging this proclamation."

David Hankerson was one of the longest-serving county managers in Georgia. Under his leadership, Cobb County led the state, region, and nation.

A few examples include decades of Triple AAA national bond ratings, the construction of the East-West Connector, and the successful opening of SunTrust Park and The Battery.

He also started the Public Safety Make-A-Wish 5K and was instrumental in developing the county’s Safety Village.

David Hankerson died on January 25, 2024, after a long illness. He was 77.  

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