ATLANTA – DHS Commissioner Robyn A. Crittenden on Monday announced new leadership in the Department’s Division of Aging Services.
Abby Cox, current administrative director of the Georgia Gerontology Society, will join the agency in April as Director of the Division of Aging Services.
Cox succeeds Dr. James Bulot, who is leaving the agency in late February to work in the private sector. Bulot served six years as Division Director.
During his tenure as Aging Services director, Bulot worked with other state agencies and stakeholders on the Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Task Force to strengthen the state’s response to Alzheimer’s and dementia.

He also led an effort to educate law enforcement, first responders and members of the legal community about ways to identify and respond to abuse, neglect and exploitation of at-risk adults in Georgia.

“Dr. Bulot has been integral in bringing aging issues to the forefront of our state, and is widely renowned for his work to help our seniors age with dignity and grace,” said Crittenden. 

Cox has a Master’s Degree in Gerontology from the University of Georgia and is the former Aging Services Coordinator of the Georgia Council on Aging.

“Ms. Cox comes to the agency with voluminous experience in gerontology and in advocating for issues that allow Georgia’s aging population to age with dignity and in a place of their choosing,” said Crittenden. “I am grateful for Dr. Bulot’s service to our state and for his commitment to Georgia’s aging community, and I am looking forward to the work we can do to further Georgia’s support of vulnerable adults as Ms. Cox comes on board.”

Cox will join DHS on April 1. DHS Deputy Commissioner Renorta Heard will serve as the Interim Director for the division until her arrival.