Georgians to Experience Improved Customer Service when Receiving Drivers' Licenses

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue signed today House Bill 501 forming the Department of Driver Services (DDS), one his major legislative initiatives of the 2005 session of the General Assembly. DDS will have one core mission – issue drivers' licenses in the most efficient and customer-friendly manner possible. “Wherever I go in Georgia, one of the biggest complaints I hear is the long lines at the DMVS,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “The new Department of Driver Services will have a laser-focus on providing Georgians with top quality customer service in receiving their drivers' licenses.”

House Bill 501 dismantles the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety (DMVS) and places the responsibility for issuing drivers licenses under DDS. The remaining functions of DMVS are being moved to other state agencies best suited to perform the services – such as tags and titles to the Department of Revenue, HOV lane and vehicle safety enforcement to the Department of Public Safety and regulatory rulemaking of weights and measures to the Department of Transportation. The Board of DMVS Board will transition to serve as the Board of DDS.

Governor Perdue also announced today his recommendation of Greg Dozier to serve as DDS Commissioner and the appointment of Susan Gordy as the newest DDS board member, filling the vacancy created by the expired term of Roderick R. Wallace.

“Greg shares my vision for excellent customer service and efficient operations. I know he wants to make getting a driver's license a pleasant experience for all Georgians,” said Governor Perdue.

Dozier, 34, is the Division Director and the Policy Coordinator for the General Government and Public Safety Division of the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget (OPB). He has served in state government since 1995. Prior to joining OPB, Dozier was the Director of Accounting for the State Board of Pardons and Paroles and budget analyst for the Legislative Budget Office. He received his master's degree in business administration and his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Georgia State University. Dozier and his wife, Stephanie, have one child and reside in Covington.

Gordy, 61, serves as the owner and manager of the Varsity Jr. She previously served as the teen activities coordinator/public relations division for Parisians, a fashion coordinator for J.P. Allen and a fashion coordinator for Lord & Taylor. Gordy is a member of the Junior League of Atlanta, a board member of the Atlanta Humane Society, a supporter of the Ronald McDonald House and a member of the Wieuca Road Baptist Church. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of South Carolina.

In addition to Gordy, the members of the DDS Board include Chairman Kelly Gay, Vice Chairman Katherine Sherrington, Secretary Patrick J. McGahan, Hugh Hardison, Ben Porter, Billy Fortson, Thomas H. Smith and Trummie Patrick, Jr.

State Representative Austin Scott sponsored the bill in the State House and Senator Ross Tolleson carried the bill in the State Senate. HB501 is effective July 1, 2005.

Governor Perdue also signed the following bills into law today - HB20, HB455 and HB458. For more information on this legislation, please visit http://www.legis.state.ga.us .