Cobb County has just ramped up its honor game, putting a late local legend's name in stone. The county's Board of Commissioners has unanimously decided to name the main county building after former county manager David Hankerson, whose ironclad tenure spanned over two decades. The "David Hankerson Building" on the Marietta Square is a testament to the man who helped to shape the county’s present and future, as reported by the Cobb County News.
During his 24-year reign, Hankerson was known to calmly navigate the choppy seas of development and politics. Mike Plant, the Atlanta Braves’ President and CEO of Development, recounted having his "hair on fire" while working with Hankerson on the high-stakes projects like the Braves’ stadium and mixed-use development. "He had an incredible wealth of knowledge," Plant said. Even amid the high-pressure situations, Hankerson maintained a presence so cool that nothing seemed to "ever rattled him," Plant told the family during the proclamation, as captured by Cobb County News.
The jersey of the hometown team, inked by each Braves player, was gifted to Hankerson's family as a token of appreciation for his enduring support. Hankerson's wife, Janet, showed gratitude towards the board and the Braves, saying, "David truly loved Cobb County." She envisions her husband smiling down on them in light of this honor, her feelings relayed in the county's news release.
Under Hankerson's watch, Cobb County not only soared to maintain Triple AAA bond ratings for decades but also saw major developments like the East-West Connector and the ambitious SunTrust Park and The Battery project. Starting the Public Safety Make-A-Wish 5K and playing a crucial role in the creation of the county’s Safety Village are just a few footprints he left behind. Hankerson's legacy is one that stands firmly rooted in community and growth, and with his name proudly displayed, it is an inheritance sure to carry on - a fact highlighted by Cobb County News.
The respected leader passed away earlier this year on January 25, after a long illness at the age of 77, leaving behind a county forever changed by his service.
