A reshuffling of management in Fulton County government continued Thursday with the appointment of a new interim county manager.

The Board of Commissioners announced interim County Manager Patrick O’Connor is on a leave of absence, effective immediately. Commissioners named interim Finance Director Sharon Whitmore to be interim county manager.

Commission Chairman John Eaves declined to comment on O’Connor’s removal, saying it is a personnel matter. But he downplayed the decision, saying “the county is not imploding.”

O’Connor has managed day-to-day operations at the county since October, when commissioners fired County Manager Dwight Ferrell. Eaves said commissioners expect to name a permanent replacement in March.

“We had to take some action,” Eaves said. “More importantly, we need a permanent manager in place.”

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC