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In recent weeks, the Upson County Board of Commissioners has been in the process of interviewing possible candidates to fill the vacancy of County Manager.

According to Commissioner Steve Hudson, the board had 20-25 applicants and actually interviewed only seven candidates.

After narrowing the field down, the Commissioners have refined their search to one individual, Kyle Hood of Milledgeville.

Hood, 24, graduated from Georgia College and State University in May of 2008 with a Masters Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in state and local government.

Although an agreement has been reached in principle, the Board of Commissioners, in making the selection public, is required now to wait for a period of 14 days prior to taking a public vote in regards to the hiring of Hood.

That consideration is planned to be on the agenda for the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008.

“Based on our interviews, in our opinion, he [Hood] was the best man,’ said Hudson. “We looked at all the candidates in the past who said they had the experience but nothing panned out.

“We wanted to try something different. We know we’re going to have to work with him.”

Hood worked as a part-time intern for County Commission Chairman Dennis Holder in Wilkinson County from August 2007 until May 21, 2008 when he graduated from Georgia College and State university.

“I think he was a good choice,” said Upson County Commission Chairman Glenn Collins. “I think it is going to be an investment in the future of Upson County.

“Anybody that comes in is going to be on a learning curve. County Manager is a profession just like anything else. I see this as an investment to get youthful ideas in here and I wish there would be more young folks involved in the politics of Upson County rather than us baby-boomers.”

Hood lived in Jonesboro and graduated from Jonesboro High School.

“Anything I’ve ever wanted to do was in public service,” said Hood on Thursday. “I realized my niche was in state and local government. I saw the opening in Upson County during the spring, and I was pleasantly surprised I heard from them.

“I look forward to proving I’m worth every penny [salary].”

According to Hood, his biggest projects in Wilkinson County were sitting in on the fiscal year budget process and working with the county engineer on a land acquisition deal for the county’s EMS Service Center.

“My first line of duty in Upson County is to make sure everybody understands I will do what I can to make the county a better place,” explained Hood. “My strongest assets are my formal education and my willingness to get the job done. I’m not coming in to re-invent the wheel, only to add to it to make the county that much better.”

When asked about his overall lack of experience, Hood paused before answering.

“I am committed to the profession and working hard for the county.” he stated.

The Board of Commissioners needs three “yes” votes to pass the hiring of Hood.

The meeting on Aug. 12 will begin at 7 p.m.