District 3 – Commissioner John Moore

For John M. Moore, service to Emanuel County has been a lifelong commitment—one that spans from the fields of his family’s second-generation farm to the halls of the county commission. Born and raised in the community he now represents, John’s mission is rooted in the values of hard work, service, and perseverance.

His journey to the commission began in late 2023 when longtime District 3 Commissioner Hugh Foskey announced he would not seek re-election after 16 years in office.

"There’s something to be said about life on the farm. My daddy taught me early on that if you want something to grow, no matter if it's a crop or a community, you have to roll up your sleeves and go to work. You can’t wait around hoping things will happen on their own. That mindset stuck with me, and it’s what led me to run for commissioner. At the time, we had a strong board, a group of people who truly cared about the future of our county. But with Mr. Hugh stepping down after so many years, I knew there would be a void—one that would require a steady, committed leader to help fill. I thought, or at least hoped, that I could be that leader if the community would give me the chance."

And so after careful, quiet consideration and several discussions with his family, John, in fact, decided to make his first and only political bid in the May 2024 general primary. He and a crowded field of candidates qualified for that election, which went to a runoff in June. John won that race, had no opposition in the November election, and officially joined the Emanuel County Board of Commissioners in late December 2024 with a swearing-in ceremony.

Within the month, he completed the newly-elected commissioner training as required by Georgia law ahead of his first day on the job on January 1. As a newcomer, John hit the ground running in 2025, earning appointments by the chairman to serve on the Franklin Memorial Library Board, Emanuel County Health Department Board, and 4-H Foundation.

"Stepping into this role, I knew there would be a learning curve, but one thing I’ve always understood is that leadership starts with listening. I didn’t take this job thinking I had all the answers, but I promised to work hard, be fair, and make decisions that serve the best interests of the people. That approach has served me well."

John graduated Adrian High School in 1979 and later attended East Georgia College, continuing his education at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, setting him up for a lifelong career as a probation officer. His 30-year tenure with the Georgia Department of Corrections’ Probation Division instilled in him a deep understanding of public safety and accountability—qualities he values as commissioner. He explains,

“Public safety has always been at the core of who I am and what I do. Getting a chance to make decisions as a commissioner that will ensure our residents feel secure and supported in their everyday lives is probably what I'm most looking forward to.”

In addition to his career in public safety, John’s upbringing on the farm contributed to his desire to join the commission as well.

“Farming teaches you patience and the value of hard work. You can’t take shortcuts if you want to see results, and that's the mentality I have as a commissioner trying to serve my community.”

Speaking of community service, John is no stranger to giving back to Emanuel County. He's a certified first responder and volunteer firefighter with Norristown Fire, an agency he served as secretary/treasurer for 19 years prior to joining the commission. John is also a member of the board of Pineland Telephone Cooperative for District 6, helping to ensure local connectivity in an ever-evolving world. Additionally, he is active in Emanuel County Young Farmers, where he previously served as president, and a proud member of the Emanuel County Sportsman’s Club and the Georgia Peace Officers Association.

Faith and family are the cornerstones of John’s life. A devoted member of Hebron Baptist Church, he serves as a deacon and draws strength from his belief in selfless service. He and his wife, Becky, have two daughters, Jessica Moore Shurling and Paige Moore Ross, and two sons-in-law, Jonathan Shurling and Will Ross. They're also the proud grandparents of three grandsons: Jackson and Jases Shurling and John Paul Ross. John says family, above all else, is the ultimate motivator for all of his political ambitions.

“At the end of the day, everything I do comes back to them. I want to make sure Emanuel County is a place they’re proud to call home, and the same goes for you and your family.”

As the newest commissioner, John is focused on listening, learning, and leading with purpose.

“I may be new to the board, but I’m not new to hard work. I'm here to serve my neighbors and make sure our county continues to thrive."

Fun Fact: Will be updated soon.