Deal Suspends DeKalb CEO Ellis, Names Lee May as Replacement

Gov. Nathan Deal has suspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis from office as a result of his recent indictments, and named DeKalb Commissioner Lee May as his temporary replacement. 

The suspension takes effect immediately.

May currently serves as chairman of the DeKalb County Commission.

On Monday, a three-member panel appointed by Deal recommended that Ellis be suspended from office.

Deal made the announcement late Tuesday afternoon during a press conference.

Ellis has been indicted by a DeKalb grand jury on charges he illegally pressured contractors into giving him campaign contributions.

Here is the text of the governor's official statement:

“I agree with the bipartisan panel of elected officials that the allegations against Burrell Ellis directly relate to and adversely affect his ability to carry out his duties as DeKalb CEO. 

"I will therefore sign an executive order to suspend him from office until his term ends or until the case against him is adjudicated. 

"The responsibility to suspend and replace elected officials is one that I do not relish, but one I will not shy away from. The laws of Georgia give the governor the authority to appoint an interim official, but with my appointment, I will respect the spirit of the local statute which calls for the commission chairman to succeed the CEO should the office come open. 

"I gave this appointment thoughtful consideration and I was looking for a leader who had already won approval from DeKalb voters and knows how the county operates. The new CEO meets these criteria, and I thank him for his willingness to serve.”