Habersham County Commissioner Jimmy Tench Resigns

Habersham County has announced the resignation of Commissioner Jimmy Tench, effective February 13, 2026.

Commissioner Tench submitted his resignation letter on February 4, 2026, formally notifying the Habersham County Board of Commissioners of his decision to step down due to medical reasons.

"I have known and respected Commissioner Jimmy Tench all of my adult life," Chairman Bruce Harkness said. "I went to school with his daughters and I got to know him when I was in school. He has served the county well for the last 7 1/2 years as county commissioner."

Commissioner Tench has dedicated many years to public service in Habersham County. He served three terms on the Habersham County Board of Tax Assessors from 2007 to 2015. In 2018, he was elected to the Habersham County Board of Commissioners, serving a full term from January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2022. He continued his service into a second term beginning January 1, 2023.

Harkness said that he appreciated Tench's tough stance and his position on issues and that he really worked hard for the people while he was a commissioner.

Tench served as chairman of the County Commissioners in 2025.

In addition to his local leadership, Commissioner Tench represented Habersham County on the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission from January 2025 through December 2025, supporting regional cooperation and planning initiatives benefiting communities across northeast Georgia.

Outside of public office, Commissioner Tench spent many years working in the railroad industry, including service with Southern Railway and Norfolk Southern. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for professionalism, dedication, and hard work before retiring.

“Commissioner Tench has always approached his responsibilities with a steady hand and a genuine concern for the people of Habersham County,” said County Manager Tim Sims. “I have appreciated the opportunity to work alongside him over the past five years, and I wish him the very best in the years ahead.”

Commissioner Kelly Woodall said of Tench, "It has been an honor to serve along side Mr. Tench on the Habersham County Board of Commissioners. Mr. Tench has been a dedicated public servant for the citizens of Habersham County for decades even before serving as a commissioner."

“On behalf of the Habersham County Board of Commissioners and county staff, we are grateful for Commissioner Tench’s years of leadership and public service,” said Habersham County Clerk Brandalin Carnes. “Throughout his time on both the Board of Tax Assessors and the Board of Commissioners, he demonstrated a sincere love for this community and consistently worked to do what he believed was best for Habersham County.”

The Habersham County Board of Commissioners will follow the appropriate process to fill the vacancy in accordance with applicable state law and local procedures. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.