GBI Director Announces Retirement

DECATUR, GA — The longtime director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will step down from the post at the end of the year.

That's according to GBI spokesperson Nelly Miles, who said Vernon Keenan will retire, effective Jan. 1, 2019.

Keenan has served in the post since Jan. 18, 2011, when he was re-appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal. According to the GBI's website, Keenan has been appointed to every rank within the GBI, and he previously served as assistant director before taking over the top post nearly eight years ago.

The director started his career as a DeKalb County police officer in November 1972. In June 1973, he signed on with the GBI to become a special agent assigned to the northwestern sector of the state. He was later promoted to the commander of the state's Auto Theft Squad and became the special agent in charge of northwest Georgia in August 1982.

Keenan has a bachelor's degree from Valdosta State University and is a graduate of the 117th Session of the FBI National Academy. He also graduated from the Georgia Chiefs of Police Command College with master's degree in public administration from Columbus State University in 1997. Keenan and his wife, Joan, live in Cherokee County and have two sons.

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The position of GBI director is appointed by the governor. Gov.-Elect Brian Kemp praised Keenan's for his public service throughout his career spanning more than 40 years.

"Thanks to his strong & steady leadership at the @GBI_GA, we live in a safe & prosperous state," Kemp said on Twitter. "I am incredibly grateful for Vernon's service & wish him the very best in retirement."

Kemp has not named a replacement for Keenan's position. Return to Patch for updates.

Image via Georgia Bureau of Investigation