Georgia State Senate Budget Office Director Tenders Resignation

ATLANTA – Jason Fernandes, director of the state Senate Budget and Evaluation Office, tendered his resignation, Georgia Senate President Pro Tempore David Shafer, R-Duluth, announced last week.

Fernandes’ resignation will take effect Dec. 1, 2013.

“Jason has been an absolutely invaluable resource, giving sound advice and insightful analysis,” Shafer said in a statement. “He has done a tremendous job, and he will be sorely missed.”

Fernandes joined the Senate Budget Office when it was first organized in 2003. He was named Director in 2010. His resignation will allow him to devote full time to the completion of his Master’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of Georgia.

“It has been an honor to serve the State Senate for the past 10 years and I am grateful for the confidence and support they have bestowed on me. I have also enjoyed working with such a talented and driven staff,” Fernandes said in a statement. “I hope to assist in any way possible to ensure an efficient and uninterrupted transition of duties to my successor.”

Shafer also announced the appointment of a search committee to be chaired by Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jack Hill. Shafer and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle will serve on the committee.

The position will be posted on the State of Georgia website. Applications will be due Aug. 15, 2013, and the tentative start date is Nov. 1, 2013.