Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) Commissioner Angelique B. McClendon today welcomed Melissa W. Free to the DDS Board of Directors. Free, a longtime executive with Georgia Power Company, was recently appointed by the Governor and will assume her new role at the Agency’s January Board Meeting.  The DDS Board is the general policy-making body for DDS, approving all rules and regulations endorsed by the Commissioner.

“I look forward to Melissa’s counsel and leadership as DDS continues to balance excellent customer service while ensuring the integrity and security of one of our state’s most important processes,” said Commissioner McClendon. “I am confident that her extensive history of leadership will prove invaluable as we evaluate new ways to better serve our customers.”

Free began her Georgia Power career in 2014 and after several promotions now serves as Region Executive, Northwest Georgia.  In this role, she leads community engagement and represents the Company in external matters, fostering strong relationships with local stakeholders, government officials, and business leaders in following counties: Caroll, Haralson, Heard, Gordon, Murray, Whitfield, Bartow, Polk, Floyd, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, and Walker.

In the community, Free serves on various boards including Georgia Northwestern Technical College, Floyd County College and Career Academy, YMCA, Rome Chamber of Commerce. She resides on a cattle farm in Calhoun, Georgia with her husband Jake who works for Georgia Power. Together, they have two children, Harper (10) & Henry (8).

For complete driver licensing and testing information, including the ability to conduct many transactions via Online Services,  please visit the DDS website at www.dds.ga.gov.