FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Henry County Board of Commissioners Statement from Chair Carlotta Harrell
April 23, 2026
The Henry County Board of Commissioners is committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. In keeping with that commitment, the Board is providing an update regarding recent administrative actions.
During the April 14, 2026, Board of Commissioners meeting, all commissioners were informed in executive session that the county’s financial services functions would be transferred to the Board of Commissioners for administrative and operational oversight. While discussions held in executive session are confidential under Georgia law, the Board also recognizes its obligation to ensure the public is aware of actions that strengthen accountability and protect the County’s financial integrity.
As part of this transition and the Board’s move toward a more strategic and transparent governance approach, and under the authority of the Chair, a decision was made with the support of the majority of the board to relieve Ms. Cheri Matthews of her duties as County Manager, effective April 22, 2026. This decision reflects the Board’s responsibility to ensure that Henry County’s administrative leadership and operations are aligned with the needs of a rapidly growing community and the Board’s long-term strategic priorities.
Deputy County Manager Kevin Johnson serves as Interim County Manager, effective immediately.
The Board remains focused on strengthening oversight, enhancing transparency, and ensuring that Henry County continues to operate efficiently and effectively on behalf of its residents. Additional updates will be provided as the transition progresses.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Office of the Chair, Henry County Board of Commissioners
Please see below a media release from Henry County Government regarding a change in leadership effective immediately.
Henry County Board of Commissioners Announces Leadership Transition in County Administration
McDonough, GA, April 22, 2026 - The Henry County Board of Commissioners today announced a leadership transition in the administration of county government. The Board has elected to move in a new direction regarding the management and operational leadership of Henry County. As part of this transition, the Board has concluded the tenure of County Manager Cheri Matthews, effective immediately.
Chair Carlotta Harrell, speaking on behalf of the Board, emphasized that the decision reflects the Board’s strategic priorities and long‑term vision for county operations.
Henry County is experiencing significant growth, evolving service demands, and new opportunities that require a more strategic approach,” said Chair Harrell. “The Board has determined that a change in leadership is necessary to align our organizational structure with the needs and expectations of our residents. We appreciate Mrs. Matthews’ service to Henry County and wish her well in her future endeavors.
The Board will announce interim leadership and next steps in the transition process in the coming days. County services and operations will continue without interruption.
Best Regards,
As part of construction work being performed in the McDonough Square, a crane will be onsite between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM, requiring a temporary single-lane closure on Keys Ferry Street in front of Scoops and Crust & Craft. Drivers passing through the Square during that time may notice minor delays. Thank you for your patience. Shops and restaurants remain open, so feel free to stop by and support our local businesses.
April is #NationalCountyGovernmentMonth
Henry County Government is proud to deliver high-quality services every day — from Public Safety and Parks & Recreation to Senior Services, Community Resources, and more. Thank you to our dedicated team and our residents. #TeamHenry
🚧ROAD ADVISORY - DECLARATION DRIVE 🚧
Atlanta Gas Light and their contractors will be performing shoulder work near 105 Declaration Drive, adjacent to the railroad crossing. Work is scheduled to begin this Thursday, February 12 and is expected to last approximately 3 business days.
The roadway will remain open to normal traffic, however, temporary traffic interruptions may occur as trucks enter and exit the roadway while equipment is maneuvered.
Please exercise caution while traveling through the area. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
🚧 HENRY PARKWAY CONNECTOR CLOSURE 🚧
As part of the Henry Parkway Connector and Henry Parkway road improvement project, please be advised of an upcoming road closure with traffic control at the intersection of Henry Parkway Connector and Henry Parkway for construction. The closure will begin on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 and last approximately for 6-8 weeks.
Motorists are encouraged to use designated detour routes along Industrial Blvd and Hwy 155 and proceed with caution while traveling through the area. Thank you for your cooperation and patience.
**Inclement Weather Update - Early Closure Notice**
Out of an abundance of caution and in light of the incoming winter weather system, all Henry County Government facilities will close at 2:00 PM today to allow staff adequate time to drain water lines and prep county buildings ahead of the storm.
County officials and Emergency Management will continue to monitor weather conditions. Stay tuned to trusted weather sources and official Henry County channels for updates as the weekend approaches.
Online services and specific department information is available on the county website. Staff will be available until 5:00 PM.
🔗 https://t.co/87ahN90ns2
In preparation for the potential inclement winter weather this weekend, we encourage everyone to stay weather-aware and plan ahead.
Please take a moment to review these important safety precautions to protect yourself and your home in freezing weather conditions.
Download the inclement weather preparedness guide: https://t.co/O0WU8ajWS4
⚠️ Severe Winter Weather Advisory ⚠️
A wintry mix may impact the area this weekend, including snow, sleet, ice & freezing rain. Icy roads, power outages & damaging wind gusts are possible.
Henry County residents should stay weather-aware and prepared:
✔️ Plan for extended power outages
✔️ Keep water & non-perishable food on hand
✔️ Refill medications
✔️ Fill gas tanks
✔️ Bring pets indoors
✔️ Protect pipes from freezing
✔️ Sign up for Regroup Emergency Alerts
✔️ Stay home
County officials and Emergency Management are closely monitoring conditions. Stay tuned to trusted weather sources and official Henry County channels for updates. Please share this message to help keep our community safe.
Henry County Government offices will be closed in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday on Monday, January 19, 2026. All offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Emergency services will remain available. For department specific information and online services, please visit https://t.co/vvJXYlksaQ.
🚧TRAFFIC ALERT: TURNER CHURCH ROAD 🚧
Please be advised of a single lane closure with traffic control on Turner Church Road between Golden Meadow Drive and Birkshire Ridge. The lane closure will begin today at 9:00 a.m. and last until approximately 3:00 p.m.
Motorists should use caution and expect delays while traveling through the area. Thank you for your cooperation and patience.
#TrafficAlert #HenryCountyGA #McDonoughGA
The Henry County Board of Commissioners has selected District 3 Commissioner Dee Anglyn III to serve as Vice Chair.
“As Vice Chair, I look forward to continuing the work of listening, planning, and delivering meaningful results for our residents,” said Vice Chair Anglyn. “I appreciate the trust of my fellow commissioners and am committed to serving Henry County with purpose and resolve.”
Read more about Vice Chair Dee W. Anglyn III at https://t.co/W6OCGZw43T
🚨 Update 🚨
Due to low visibility and overcast conditions, tornado siren testing scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, 2026, has been canceled. 🔕
Silent testing will still take place to ensure all sirens are working properly. Thank you!
All Henry County Government offices will be closed in observance of the Christmas and New Year's holidays during the following days:
• Wednesday, December 24th
• Thursday, December 25th
• Wednesday, December 31st
• Thursday, January 1st
Emergency services will remain available during the holidays. For department specific information, please visit https://t.co/vvJXYlksaQ.
Happy Holidays, Henry County! We wish you a safe and joyful holiday season!
#HenryCountyGA
Big wins for Henry County as we have awarded two major Design-Build projects:
🔹 I-75 at Bethlehem Road Interchange
🔹 SR 42 at Norfolk Southern Bridge Replacement
@HenryCounty
These projects will enhance safety, connectivity and growth.
For more 👉 https://t.co/Vr8LOcwGcs
🚧TRAFFIC ALERT: Oak Street (City of Hampton) 🚧
Please note a partial lane closure on Oak Street, near Oakchase subdivision, for the remainder of today due to road resurfacing work.
Traffic control is in place. Motorists should expect delays and use caution when traveling through the area. Thank you for your patience as crews work to improve roadway conditions.
#TrafficAlert #HenryCountyGA #HamptonGA