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Kristi Cox sworn in as Richmond Hill mayor; council members Hatala and Bowes also take oaths
Summary
At a Jan. 6 inaugural ceremony at Richmond Hill City Center, Kristi Cox was sworn in as mayor and delivered an address emphasizing unity, transparency and sustainable growth. Newly elected councilmembers Cindy Hatala (Post 1) and Kevin P. Bowes (Post 2) also took the oath.
Kristi Cox was sworn in as mayor of Richmond Hill on Jan. 6, 2026, at a short inaugural ceremony at Richmond Hill City Center. Bryan County Probate Judge Billy Reynolds administered the oath. Newly elected councilmembers Cindy Hatala (Post 1) and Kevin P. Bowes (Post 2) were also sworn in.
Outgoing Mayor Russ Carpenter received special recognition for his years of service before the oath was administered. The meeting opened at 6:08 p.m., with City Clerk Dawnne Greene calling the session to order. The invocation was delivered by Ryan Purvis, CEO of the Development Authority of Bryan County, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Fort Stewart Garrison Commander Col. Gabe Weaver.
After being sworn in, Mayor Cox delivered an inaugural address in which she outlined a vision for the city that, according to meeting minutes, emphasized community unity, transparency and sustainable growth. The minutes do not include an extended transcript of her remarks beyond those themes.
Judge Reynolds performed the administered oaths for the officials present. The meeting lasted roughly 18 minutes and was adjourned at 6:26 p.m. The council tabled the election and swearing-in of a Mayor Pro-Tem to the next meeting (see separate action).
