The Georgia Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, a nonprofit professional society for OB/GYN physicians in Georgia, has appointed Daniel Thompson its executive director.

Thompson replaces current executive director, Pat Cota, who served in the role for 15 years. Cota is transitioning to lead the society foundation.

Thompson joins the society having served as the first executive director of the North Georgia Heart Foundation. He previously was deputy director for planning and partnerships for the chronic disease prevention section at Georgia Department of Public Health and spent six years as a lobbyist for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Thompson is currently a member of the Emory University Alumni Board, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees; the American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia board; the Georgia Society for Public Health Education board and the United Way “One Hall” Steering Committee.