New Government Services Director Announced In Douglas County

Sgt. Maj. Robert Heath Cowart was appointed to be the new Douglas County government services director just two weeks after being honored for his service in Afghanistan at a recent Board of Commissioners (BOC) meeting. The BOC voted unanimously on August 6 to authorize the chairman to execute an employment contract after the retirement of Gary Jenkins, the BOC said in a news release.

The director oversees the fleet management and landfill, solid waste, and recycling for the county. The Cedar Mountain Landfill consistently provides services to thousands of citizens and commercial accounts each month, BOC said. Fleet Management ensures that county work vehicles are operating efficiently and comply with government regulations.

“Both departments are vital and essential to the functionality of our county government and they are in good hands with Heath Cowart,”Rick Martin, communications and community relations director, said.

Cowart previously held the position of assistant director of government services. Cowart joined government services in 2015 after working in development control for eight years.

“I’m extremely humbled and honored to receive this position. Gary Jenkins was an excellent mentor and I hope to continue to bring outstanding leadership to both departments in Government Services,” Cowart said. “I would like to say thank you to madam chair, Mark Teal and the commissioners for entrusting me with this position and I will not let them down.”