Jan Griggs
The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners has called a special meeting for Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 4:30 p.m. for two purposes – including one that must make history in one way or another.
At Wednesday's meeting, the board will accept and install the Cherokee County Republican Party Executive Commitee nominee Jan Griggs to fill the vacant District 5 seat on the Board of Commissioners.
Once the paperwork is complete, Griggs will fill the seat she once held before losing to Alan Bryant in the 2024 Republican primary. Bryant resigned in June.
Griggs' appointment to the board is historic for two reasons – it will be the first time women hold a majority on the board, and will create a five-member board in which just one member, Ben Adams, was elected to the seat. All other members – Sue Ledford, Jeana Conley, Mark Stiles and, starting next week, Jan Griggs – filled mid-term vacancies following recommendations from the Cherokee County Republican Party Executive Committee.
Hiwassee Dam High School Principal Daniel McNabb was also being considered for the District 5 vacancy, but withdrew over a conflict of interest. McNabb serves on the Board of Directors of Tri-State Electric Membership Corporation. The organization’s attorney said Tri-State policy does not allow a board member to hold a paid political office and McNabb withdrew his name.
Because of the timing of Bryant’s resignation, the Cherokee County GOP and the Cherokee County Democratic Party are each able to place a candidate on the November 2026 ballot for District 5.
Griggs previously represented District 5 on the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners from 2020 through 2024 and served as vice chair during part of her term.
She served 23 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 4, the second highest warrant officer grade. Griggs later worked in the Cherokee County Veterans Service Office and has remained active in local veterans’ programs and community projects.
Griggs was a prominent voice on the board during her previous term, advocating a moratorium on high-impact industries in the county, enhanced animal control laws and enforcement, and a long-term plan for county growth. Other issues brought her different kinds of attention, such as a feud between her and county tax assessor Teresa Ricks and a falling out with mentor and former ally Cal Stiles. Her falling out with Stiles took her from riding a 3-2 majority to suffering on the wrong side of a 2-3 minority.
The meeting will be held in the commissioner boardroom (Multipurpose Room 342) at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree Street, Murphy.
A second purpose for the meeting is to discuss animal control issues with various county departments and animal shelter representatives. There will be no public comment period during this discussion as the departments work together to discuss pressing animal control issues. Prior to the adoption of any proposed animal ordinance, a public hearing for public comments will be scheduled.