Retiring Lavonia Police Chief To Be New Stephens County Elections Supervisor

Lavonia Police Chief Bruce Carlisle won’t be spending a lot of time fishing or on the golf course when he retires at the end of the year

Tuesday, night the Stephens County Board of Commissioners voted to hire him as the new Stephens County Elections Supervisor.

According to Stephens County Administrator Christian Hamilton, his official hiring date will come following a 14-day waiting period.

“Bruce brings many years of leadership and expertise from across the state of Georgia to Stephens County. We cannot wait for him to dive into this office and get things going and really just further the elections efforts in Stephens County. Bruce is a phenomenal human being, a phenomenal government employee, and public servant. There really is no one better for this job. We’re thankful he’s going to be working for us,” Hamilton said.

Carlisle has been with the Lavonia Police Department since 2000 and has been the Chief since 2008. While he’s retiring from law enforcement, Carlisle said he’s ready for this new chapter.

“It was my intention to retire from law enforcement at the end of the year. And then this job became available. I looked at what the job responsibilities and job description were and I thought that would be something I’d be interested in. I still have some good years left. I’ve worked in government, both county and municipal government most of my adult life. It’s time to hang up the law enforcement hat and move on to something else,” Carlisle said.

The Stephens County Registrar’s office has seen several new Elections Supervisors over the past several years but Carlisle said he plans to bring stability to the office.

“After applying for the job and I was able to be interviewed. I’m so honored to be selected for the position. I told the interview board is to bring stability to that position in Stephens County and make sure elections are fair and equitable for everyone,” he said.

Carlisle’s last day as Lavonia Police Chief is Wednesday, November 30.

He is expected to begin his new role as Stephens County Election Supervisor on December 7.

Lavonia Assistant Police Chief Daniel Carson will serve as the Interim Police Chief until a permanent replacement for Carlisle can be found.

A retirement reception for Chief Carlisle will be held in January at the Lavonia Train Depot.