Commissioner Tanner brings over three decades of public service experience, with a deep understanding of Georgia’s complex behavioral health continuum. His extensive career reflects a profound commitment to improving the lives of Georgians across the state.

With an operating budget of $1.6 billion and a workforce more than 4,500 employees, Commissioner Kevin Tanner has led transformative initiatives at DBHDD since his appointment. Under his leadership, historic investments in the agency’s workforce have resulted in reopening previously offline crisis beds and enabling state hospitals to operate at nearly full capacity. His efforts also led to a significant provider rate increase for intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) services and behavioral health professionals. By improving internal efficiencies, Commissioner Tanner was able to bring raise starting salaries for critical clinical positions by nearly 20 percent. 

Additionally, he serves as a Trustee of the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust and has played an integral role in the construction of new crisis settings across the state. The Trust was created to receive and administer Georgia’s share of funds from national settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors. Funds held by the Trust will be used to support drug addiction prevention, treatment and recovery services.

Tanner previously served as the County Manager of Forsyth County and represented House District 9 in the Georgia House of Representatives for four legislative terms. During his legislative tenure, he sponsored the founding legislation for the Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission; he was later appointed by Governor Kemp to serve as its Chair. This commission played a pivotal role in the creation of the historic House Bill 1013, the Georgia Mental Health Parity Act.

His public service journey began as a volunteer firefighter and continued with nearly two decades at the Dawson Sheriff’s Office, where he held various roles, including 11 years as Chief Deputy/Undersheriff. His diverse background provides him with a unique perspective on the challenges facing Georgia communities.

Tanner holds an undergraduate degree from North Georgia College and State University and a Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University. He has been actively involved in community and civic activities in the North Georgia area for many years.

Tanner and his wife, Stacie, have been married for more than 25 years. Stacie is a public-school Kindergarten teacher, and together they are the proud parents of three daughters: Kaitlyn, Abbie, and Chloe. The Tanner family has attended Bethel Baptist Church for seven generations, where he serves as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.