Kevin Clark, who was named in July as executive director of the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority, has been appointed by Gov. Sonny Perdue as interim state property officer and director of the Georgia Building Authority and State Properties Commission.

Clark, who lives in Flowery Branch, will succeed Gena Abraham, who has been named commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation.

"Kevin Clark brings the experience and cost-effective mindset necessary to this position, and he will deliver the best value to Georgia’s citizens as he manages the state’s buildings and grounds," Perdue said.

The governor is recommending the appointment of Bill Donohue to succeed Clark at the islands development authority effective Jan. 1. Donohue is currently executive director of the Jekyll Island State Park Authority.

The news of Clark’s appointment comes as the authority is finalizing a bond package to finance major infrastructure improvements at the 1,100-acre resort in South Hall County.

Board Chairman Lonice Barrett praised Clark for his brief service.

"He has been tapped by the governor to take on an even bigger responsibility," Barrett said. "While I certainly hate to see him leave, he has certainly earned the promotion, and the governor has really picked an outstanding person."

Barrett said Clark would assist the board in completing the bond agreements.

Donohue has served in a similar capacity at Jekyll Island since 1997. Prior to his appointment at Jekyll, he served as executive director of the North Georgia Mountains Authority, a state authority that oversees operations of the state-owned Unicoi and Brasstown Valley resorts.

"I’ve known Bill Donohue for 20 years," Barrett said. "He’s demonstrated outstanding abilities dealing with state parks and recreation issues."

While with the Department of Natural Resources, Donohue served as a member of the Lake Lanier Authority board and served on the task forces that oversaw the privatization of Lake Lanier Islands and Stone Mountain Park.

The Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority is expected to vote on Perdue’s recommended appointment at its regularly scheduled meeting on Nov. 29.

"In his new role, Georgia will continue to benefit from Bill Donohue’s wealth of expertise at managing our state’s parks and recreational sites," Perdue said.