ATLANTA -- Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has appointed an attorney as director of the state Office of the Child Advocate.

Ashley Willcott will begin her new job on Feb. 1.

Willcott has worked as a lawyer in various juvenile courts since 1992. In addition to running her own private practice, she is a Special Assistant Attorney General representing the Department of Family and Children Services in Dawson and Rockdale counties. Willcott has also worked as Juvenile Court Judge Pro Tem in DeKalb and Fulton counties.

She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and English from Newcomb College at Tulane University and a law degree from Emory University.

The Office of the Child Advocate "will work proactively and steadily to improve the way our state helps families in need," according to its website.

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- On Monday, Lee May kicks off his first full week as interim CEO of DeKalb County.

May was sworn in last Tuesday after Gov. Nathan Deal followed a panel's recommendation to suspend Burrell Ellis from office. Ellis faces extortion charges after being accused of using his position to force county vendors to contribute to his reelection campaign.

May will hold the position through Ellis' term, which runs through 2016, unless Ellis is acquitted.

May told 11Alive News that he plans to begin winning back DeKalb residents' trust by performing "the basic things that people pay their taxes for," such as filling potholes, picking up trash and making sure police respond when they are called.