New Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner Sworn In

Richard Steele was sworn in Monday as the new Gwinnett County tax commissioner, replacing Katherine Meyer, the former tax commissioner who retired April 30 after 26 years of service. Superior Court Judge Warren Davis presided over the swearing-in and oath administration.

“I am looking forward to assuming the duties of tax commissioner,” Steele said. “It will certainly be a new challenge, but for the last 26 years Katherine has set the standard for excellence in public service. With her lasting example and our staff of hardworking professionals, the transition to this position will be that much easier.”

Steele previously held the positions of chief deputy tax commissioner, director of Property Tax and Motor Vehicles branch manager. He assumed the duties of tax commissioner on May 1 and will finish Meyer’s seventh term, which expires December 2012. 

Before joining the Tax Commissioner’s office in 2005, Richard worked as operations manager for the University of Georgia Campus Transit System and as a budget analyst for the Centers for Disease Control.

Steele received a bachelor of science degree from UGA in 1996 and is a member of the Rotary Club of Lawrenceville. He lives in Buford with his wife and two children.