She was interim, but now just make that Chief Kiki Evans.

Polk County officials announced on social media this morning ahead of the lunch hour that Evans – previously the Assistant Chief under now-retired Kenny Dodd – would be earning the promotion to full time chief after serving in the role since Dodd’s retirement in late April.

Evans, a 33-year veteran of law enforcement, said she was excited by the opportunity to lead a department where she has served for the past three decades.

“I am overjoyed and excited regarding this new opportunity!” Evans said. “Continuing to serve my community and working alongside the fine men and women of the Polk County Police Department.”

Evans is a veteran of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office where she started her career, the Cedartown Police Department and ultimately the Polk County Police where she began in the patrol division, and was promoted to serve as a corporal over the D.A.R.E. program.

Her advancement continued as she was promoted to Sergeant in the Criminal Investigation Division, and for the past 16 years has served as Assistant Chief.

Longtime colleagues who have served with Evans for the past decades are happy to see her in her new role.

“Chief Evans and I have known each other professionally for over 30 years in polk county law enforcement and I congratulate her on her new role as chief and look forward to working with her for the betterment of our communities moving forward,” Chief Jamie Newsome said.

Rockmart Police Chief Randy Turner added his congratulations to the new chief as well.

“I congratulate Chief Evans on her well-earned promotion, and look forward to a positive working relationship with her in the future,” Turner said.

Sheriff Johnny Moats added his well wishes too, and looked forward to working with Chief Evans in her new role at the PCPD.

“I wish her all the luck with the new job and am proud of her, and wish her congratulations,” Sheriff Moats said.

Evans promotion also makes her the first female head of a law enforcement agency in Polk County.