(The Center Square) – Angelique McClendon will head Georgia’s Department of Driver Services as of May 1 succeeding Spencer Moore, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Thursday.
“With an extensive career serving both DDS and the people of our state, I know she will be a great asset in ensuring that those who interact with one of our most prominent state agencies have an efficient and smooth experience,” Kemp said in a statement.
Since 2015, McLendon has been the agency’s general counsel and assistant deputy commissioner of legal and regulatory affairs, according to a news release. In that position, she provided legal advice on projects including creation of a digital driver’s license, a free service that allows drivers to keep a copy of their licenses on their cellphones.
Although law enforcement in Georgia requires drivers to show their physical licenses during a stop, the digital version can used in places such as some Transportation Safety Administration checkpoints at airport, according to DDS.
McClendon has an undergraduate degree from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans and a law degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta.
DDS is in charge of issuing and renewing licenses to Georgia’s 8.7 million drivers. The agency has more than 1,000 employees and 67 facilities for testing.
It also provides motorcycle safety training, alcohol and drug awareness programs for teens and regulates commercial vehicle driver training schools. It also regulates risk-reduction programs for drivers who have had their driver’s licenses suspended.
In fiscal year 2024, DDS had a budget of nearly $100 million.
In a statement, Kemp praised Moore, the outgoing commissioner.
“His efforts as DDS Commissioner have helped grow our nationally-ranked logistics network, put state government’s best foot forward when serving the hardworking people of Georgia, and modernize operations at an agency that directly interacts with citizens in every community of our state,” the governor said in a statement.
Moore, a career state employee, was appointed DDS commissioner in 2017 by then Gov. Nathan Deal and reappointed in 2019 by Kemp.
