Mayor Brian Johnson
After a thorough interview process, Mr. Brian Johnson has been selected by the Cohutta Town Council to be the Town of Cohutta's fourth mayor. Mr. Johnson was sworn in on August 11, 2026. He is Cohutta's fourth mayor.
From Mayor Johnson...
My priorities as mayor are strengthening economic development, improving public safety, enhancing infrastructure, promoting transparency in government, and ensuring that every resident has a voice in the decisions that shape our city. I believe effective leadership requires listening, accountability, and a willingness to work collaboratively to achieve meaningful results.
The Mayor's Vision for the future of Cohutta....
My 10-year vision for the Town of Cohutta is to build a stronger, safer, cleaner, and more connected community while preserving the small-town character that makes Cohutta special. Over the next decade, I want to focus on improving roads, public facilities, and other essential infrastructure; enhancing public safety; maintaining and beautifying our community; expanding recreational and family activities; and supporting responsible economic and residential growth. I believe Cohutta should welcome opportunities for local businesses and new investment while protecting our neighborhoods, rural character, and quality of life.
Just as importantly, I want our town government to be transparent, financially responsible, and responsive to residents, with citizens having a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their community. By working together with residents, businesses, Whitfield County, community organizations, and regional partners, we can make thoughtful investments today that create a stronger foundation for tomorrow.
My goal is that ten years from now, Cohutta will be a community where families are proud to live, businesses have opportunities to succeed, residents feel safe and heard, and future generations can enjoy the same sense of community that makes Cohutta home.
Our vision is simple: preserve what is good, fix what needs fixing, plan for what comes next, and build a Cohutta that the next generation will be proud to call home.
Mayor Sandy Clayborne
Town Councilmember Sandy Clayborne was appointed Vice Mayor on May 20, 2026, and assumed the role of Interim Mayor on that same day after the resignation of Mayor Ron Shinnick on May 15, 2026. Mrs. Clayborne led the transition and process of appointing a new Mayor to fill out the term vacated by Mr. Shinnick. During her brief term, she helped the town move forward with the financial audit and managed the day to day affairs of the town. After the swearing in of Brian Johnson, she stepped back into her role as Town Council Member and Vice Mayor. Mrs. Clayborne was Cohutta's third mayor and the town's first female mayor.
Mayor Ron Shinnick
Term 2014-May 15, 2026
Growth and Vision
As Mayor of Cohutta, Ron Shinnick helped initiate many changes to the Town of Cohutta. Some of his many accomplishments were the negotiation with Dalton Utilities for the addition of public sewer, navigating the process of adding beer and wine licenses to attract new restaurants, and more. His vision was to honor the small-town character that makes our community special while preparing responsibly for a stronger, more connected future. Ron said, "Cohutta's greatest strength is its people, and our progress will be built on supporting families, local businesses, and the natural beauty that surrounds us."
Mayor Don Henderson
Don Henderson served as mayor from 1970 to 2014. He was the town's first mayor.
From his obituary:
He was a lifelong resident of Cohutta, a community he dedicated his life and love to. A member of the Cohutta Ruritan Club for over 70 years, he helped start the Cohutta Volunteer Fire Department and served as its Chief for many years. Later on, he helped write the initial charter for the Town of Cohutta and was elected its first Mayor, a position he held for 44 years.
If you were in a hurry, you were in trouble with Don. But if you wanted to sit and talk for hours, you could find no one better. He was a man who loved his family, his farm and his community. Along with his family farm, Don also had The Henderson Insurance Agency and Don’s Sundries.