Leadership

Ms. Simmons moved to Stephens County when she was six years old and has called Stephens County her home since. She is a graduate of Clemson University and later received her Juris Doctor degree from Charleston School of Law. Ms. Simmons is licensed to practice law in Georgia and South Carolina; she is a Partner at Hotard & Hise, LLC, and specializes in family litigation as well as juvenile and estate matters.

Ms. Simmons currently serves on the City of Toccoa Planning/Zoning Commission, Georgia Mountain Regional Commission, Stephens County Airport Authority, Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter Board of Directors, the 2024 Chair of the Stephens County Board of Commissioners, and Stephens County Development Authority Board of Directors. Ms. Simmons is the current Vice President of the Mountain Judicial Bar Association and volunteers her time on the Toccoa Symphony Orchestra Board and the Paul Anderson Memorial Park Board.

Ms. Simmons along with her parents, Dick and Linda Simmons, often fondly recall their move to Stephens County in the late 80s and the warm welcome they received. The community that embraced the Simmons Family and became their family made the choice to remain in Stephens County an easy one and a choice they continue to be blessed by today.