Cobb County Manager Dr. Jackie McMorris received the Cobb Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Woman of Distinction award on Monday, Sept. 14.

Cobb Executive Women (CEW) Chairwoman Sasha Ugi presented the honor at the Chamber's Marquee Monday event at the Coca-Cola Roxy, the Marietta Daily Journal reported. Ron Clark, co-founder of the Ron Clark Academy, delivered the keynote speech before the announcement. Cobb Chamber President and CEO Sharon Mason hugged McMorris as she accepted the award.

McMorris oversees a $1.3 billion budget, 34 county departments and approximately 5,100 employees. That includes the roads, parks, water and public safety services East Cobb residents rely on daily.

She joined Cobb County Government in 2013 after leadership roles in Cherokee County and the Fulton County District Attorney's Office. She became Cobb's first deputy county manager and, in March 2020, its first African American woman to serve as county manager, according to East Cobb News.

She started during a pandemic. Working with the Cobb Board of Commissioners, McMorris helped direct approximately $50 million in relief funding to local small businesses and nonprofits.

Her tenure also saw the creation of the Cobb Family Advocacy Center, described as the first facility of its kind in Georgia. The center combines services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, child abuse and human trafficking.

"I kind of want to be behind the scenes, but I realize that I can't do this without my team, so I share this with them," McMorris told the Marietta Daily Journal.

The annual CEW award recognizes leadership in professional and community life. McMorris's public service career spans more than 27 years. She earned the Cobb Chamber's Mack Henderson Public Service Award in 2025 and was named LiveSafe Resources' Woman of the Year in 2022.

Outside county government, McMorris mentors young women through Marietta's Mentoring for Leadership program and has partnered with North Georgia Habitat for Humanity on homebuilding projects. In 2023, she participated in Dancing with the Stars of Marietta to raise funds for local causes.

Residents who want to learn more about Cobb Executive Women can contact Rebecca Chadwick at 770-859-2368.