Frank Wood will become the Appalachian Judicial Circuit’s acting district attorney when Alison Sosebee is sworn in as the circuit’s new Superior Court judge.
He will assume the role until Sosebee’s replacement is appointed by Governor Brian Kemp.
Sosebee said, “I am confident that it will be a smooth transition from chief assistant district attorney to acting district attorney for Mr. Wood. He has worked in the district attorney’s office for several years with other members of the team as well as our local law enforcement.
“He is both an experienced litigator and supervisor and he will do well in this position,” Sosebee siad.
Wood said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as acting district attorney of the Appalachian Judicial Circuit. I will do everything in my power to maintain the high standards that this office deserves and will work tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition and to represent the citizens throughout our circuit.”
Wood has served as chief assistant district attorney for the circuit since January 2022. His responsibilities as an assistant district attorney had primarily been in Fannin County, but were expanded to include the other counties in the circuit Gilmer and Pickens..
As of Friday, there were still questions as to when Sosebee would take her oath, when the governor would make an appointment, and what effect, if any, the change would have on the 2024 election cycle.
Wood said there are several “ifs” in the process.
However, Wood was also re-elected chairman of the Fannin County Republican Party. “It’s my understanding that I will have to resign, and if that is the case, that is what I will do,” he said.
He said he would be prepared to do that immediately upon assuming his acting district attorney role.
Wood earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and his Juris Doctorate from Cumberland Law School in Birmingham, Alabama.