Atlanta, GA – Today, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced the appointments of Judge Alex Atwood as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) and Joy Hawkins as Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Student Achievement (GOSA).

Judge Alex Atwood 
Commissioner - Department of Administrative Services (DOAS)

Among his many accomplishments, Judge Atwood is a retired Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve, former State Representative, and former Special Agent who worked for multiple federal law enforcement agencies. Over the years, he has received numerous accolades for excellence in the legal profession and community service. Judge Atwood graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice followed by a master’s degree in International Relations from Webster College and a law degree from Atlanta’s John Marshall School of Law. Judge Atwood and his wife, Cynthia, are the proud parents of three children, Melonie, James, and Cameron.

“Given Judge Atwood’s distinguished career and extensive judicial, legislative, and military experience, I am confident that he will provide strong leadership to the Department of Administrative Services, and I am honored that he accepted this appointment. Judge Atwood is a man of integrity and a true servant leader, and I look forwarding to working with him in state government," stated Governor Kemp.

Joy Hawkins 
Executive Director - Governor's Office of Student Achievement (GOSA)

Joy Hawkins has an extensive career working in government relations, policy and budget analysis, community engagement, and foundation management. Most recently, Hawkins served as Director of Literacy for All, a donor-advised initiative of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. Hawkins previously served as Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Governor Sonny Perdue, later working at the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Georgia Student Finance Commission. Hawkins holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Georgia State University and a law degree from Georgia State University College of Law.

"Joy Hawkins is a highly effective leader with an unparalleled understanding of Georgia's educational system, and I have complete confidence in her ability to head the Office of Student Achievement. In taking this appointment, Joy will work tirelessly to put the state's most treasured asset - our children - first every day," stated Governor Kemp.