JoAnn Birrell, who worked as a community relations manager for Waste Management,  was sworn in as District 3 Cobb Commissioner yesterday afternoon before a standing room crowd of more than 200 people.

Birrell was elected to the four-year post after defeating architect Stephen Moon in the July primary. In August, she won a runoff against business consultant Earl Stine. The seat was held by Tim Lee, who left the seat in April to become chairman of the Board of Commissioners. Thea Powell served as interim commissioner.

At Birrell's request, Cobb Magistrate Court Judge Joan Bloom conducted the swearing in ceremony.  David, Birrell's husband, held the Bible that her right hand rested on while she recited the commissioner's oath.

"The slogan for Cobb County is 'expect the best,' well, we are the best. The staff that we have - and Sam Olens can attest to this - is the greatest staff," Birrell said Birrell, after being sworn in. "I look forward to being a public servant in District 3, and all of Cobb County. I'm grateful for all the support that I've received."

Birrell thanked her friends, campaign committee members and family members in the audience for their support.

Those in attendance of the swearing in ceremony included the newly-elected Attorney General Sam Olens, all three of the county commissioners and Lee,  Cobb Sheriff Neil Warren, Marietta City Councilman Van Pearlberg, Cobb Public Safety Director and Fire Chief Sam Heaton, Cobb Police Chief John Houser, Superior Court Judge Jim Bodiford, several county staff members, Cobb Chamber of Commerce President and CEO David Connell, Cobb Republican Women President Barbara Hickey, Cobb Planning Commission Member Christi Trombetti, newly-elected Cobb District 1 State Court Judge Jason Fincher, Kennesaw Mayor Mark Mathews, members of the Cobb County Police K9 Unit, Smyrna City Councilman Wade Lnenicka, and Northwest Georgia YWCA Director Holly Comer.