Coker in as new Chief Appraiser

From clerk to now chief appraiser, Corrina Coker’s career with Emanuel County has come full circle. At just 29-years-old, she has already built a reputation for determination, adaptability, and a commitment to fair property assessments, values she credits to years of learning the work from the ground up.

Coker moved to Georgia from Florida when she was 12. Like many newcomers, her first impression of the area was shaped by the long ride from her home to town, noticeably quieter, with fewer businesses, less traffic, and a slower pace than the city streets she was used to.

“It felt like it took forever to get anywhere,” she remembers, laughing. Over time, however, she says the slower pace, the tight-knit community, and the chance to make a difference became the reasons she stayed.

“I didn’t feel at home in Emanuel County for a long time,” she explains, “but working in the community and seeing what the county does, it’s made me feel more connected. Despite what people might say, I really do think our leadership cares about this place. I know I’ve only been in this role a few weeks, but I certainly do.”

Coker first joined the tax assessor’s office in 2016 as a clerk. Over the next seven years, she progressed into managing business personal property accounts, a job that taught her the importance of accuracy and clear communication—especially when taxpayers disagreed with her findings.

In 2023, she accepted a position at Georgia Southern University, looking forward to new opportunities. Over time, however, the experience unfolded differently than she had anticipated.

“There were times when the pace felt slow,” she reflects, “and, at times, the environment presented some unique challenges.”

As fate would have it, the chief appraiser role was in transition. The Emanuel County Board of Assessors, which, by state law, appoints the chief appraiser, knew the office needed someone ready to take on the responsibility in the next few months. Unlike other county positions filled by the board of commissioners, this particular position is hired by the board of assessors to keep property valuation separate from budgeting decisions and political considerations.

Scott Cochran, who serves on the Emanuel County Board of Assessors, said Coker’s experience and determination stood out during the selection process, along with the long-term stability her appointment could bring.

“Some people might have seen her age as a negative, but I’ve always seen it as an advantage,” Cochran said. “Corrina has been trained by one of the best in the business, and she has the drive to keep learning. You can invest in someone like that and know you’re setting up the office for the next 25 years.”

When the board called to see if she would consider coming back, the answer eventually became clear.

“[Former chief appraiser] Darryl [Gray] reached out a few times, and at first, I thought, ‘No, I have a long-term plan,’ but then in the back of my mind, I knew how much I loved working with the public and how much I already knew the work. I figured I might as well give it another shot.”

In January 2025, she returned as assistant chief appraiser. In June, she was promoted to lead the office.

Stepping into leadership brought both familiarity and new pressures. A recent change in state law requires every parcel in the county (more than 15,000 in Emanuel County’s case) to be reviewed in a rolling three-year cycle. With just two field appraisers on staff, meeting that standard will take creativity and careful planning.

In addition, she has encountered a learning curve she hadn’t quite anticipated—and it isn’t the obvious challenge of storm recovery. While Hurricane Helene caused widespread property damage before she returned, Coker says those adjustments are relatively straightforward.

“Those are the easiest scenarios. You have damage? Of course, we’re going to go out and look at it. Of course, that affects your value, but when you have it repaired, your value adjusts accordingly. So, the storm damage didn’t really affect my decision.”

Rather, the challenge at hand is yet another state law change: an unexpected variation to Georgia’s homestead exemption laws that proved more difficult to manage. Implementing the new floating homestead exemption and fielding hundreds of questions from taxpayers—quickly became one of the most complex parts of her first months back in the office.

“What has impacted me the most in the last six months is this new homestead exemption. That was a nightmare. While the exemption itself is simple and ultimately a great benefit to taxpayers, adapting our systems and processes to accommodate the changes took considerable time and effort.”

All that in mind, Corrina says her priorities are clear: catching up property values to a still-inflated real estate market, ensuring uniformity in assessments, and helping her team feel confident in their own skills, partly by investing in continuous training.

“We have to be realistic about what a small staff can do, but I also want us to think creatively. We’re going to find a way to meet our obligations and we’re going to be good at meeting those obligations. After all, continuous training is what equipped me with the knowledge to do this job in the first place.”

From the time Corrina was a clerk to when she left the county, she earned her Appraiser III certification in just four years—a pace that reflects both commitment and determination. Now, she’s working toward her Appraiser IV, the highest level an appraiser can reach in Georgia.

Her familiarity with the work has already been an asset. Because she once processed deeds, exemptions, and appeals herself, she understands what it takes to balance detail with efficiency.

But her commitment to growth extends beyond certifications. Coker earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration after she had already started working for Emanuel County, balancing school with her growing responsibilities in the assessor’s office and motherhood. Now, she’s halfway through a master’s degree in instructional technology with a focus in school library media. Though her current graduate program is not directly related to appraisal, she says she pursued it in part because she thought her career would take a different turn but, mostly today, because she believes in finishing what she starts.

She attributes much of her success and motivation to her mentor, Gray.

“Honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. I may not have gone back to school or even seen myself as a candidate for this role if it weren’t for his guidance. His encouragement, support, training, and leadership have been a guiding light for me and for our entire staff.”

She continued, praising the positive work environment he fostered, citing that experience as an inspiration to the one she’s trying to create.

“When I worked under Darryl, I always felt like I could ask any question or address any concern. That made such a difference in how confident I felt. Now that I’m in this role, I want my team to feel the same way.”

Gray, who remains involved as a liaison to the local board of assessors, says Coker’s growth has been no accident.

He explains, “Finding the right person to lead a complex entity like the tax assessor’s office can be an overwhelming and dauting task. It requires a comprehensive approach that considers not only their past performance but also their potential for leadership and adaptability to a changing environment. They must possess the necessary technical skills and knowledge relevant to our particular assessment office. They have to think quickly on their feet to analyze difficult situations, identify various problems, and develop the appropriate solutions. They must have both communication and listening skills in dealing with the staff, government officials, and the public. Their conduct in and out of the work environment should reflect ethical behavior, integrity and constant professionalism.

He continues, “After a long and elaborate search, we found the right person that meet these qualifications to lead our assessment team well into the distant future. Her name is Corrina Coker. She is exceptionally smart, a lightning-fast thinker, a constant learner, ambitious, a thriving and driving force, a mover and motivator of people, a seeker of knowledge, a proactive worker dedicated to achieving goals, and a team player. In other words, she is the whole package with a ribbon on it. I have personally worked with Corrina for several years and can personally attest to her multiple abilities that will provide excellence and stability to the Emanuel County Board of Assessors.”

Even with more confidence, Coker doesn’t pretend the work is simple. Between the constant scrutiny of the Georgia Department of Revenue and Department of Audits and a public that doesn’t always understand why values rise, she says the best strategy is transparency.

“Most people don’t realize that we have to consider the market. It’s not just an opinion; values are actually based on what properties in our county are actually selling for. If we don’t do it right, everyone pays the price.”

She hopes taxpayers will come into the office to learn more, especially during appeal season.

“We’re not here to drop your value just because you ask,” she disclaims, “but we will absolutely sit down and show you the data behind it. If you disagree, you have every right to appeal. That process is there for a reason.”

Her work also comes with a personal sense of purpose. Coker and her husband, Joshua, are raising their 10-year-old son, Max, and 8-year-old daughter, Rowan, here in Emanuel County. She says her perspective on what matters most has shifted as she’s grown into both her role and her community.

Two employees who now work under her direction cite Coker’s experience as a former clerk and her approachability set the tone in the office.

“Corrina goes above and beyond with her leadership, office skills, and vast knowledge for helping taxpayers and the staff,” says Judy Teegarden. “She makes the staff feel like we are part of a family. Personally, Corrina and Darryl have inspired me with confidence to excel at my work and to be part of the larger picture.”

Field Appraiser Katrina Farley adds, “Corrina combines seasoned experience with empowering leadership. Through delegation, trust, and a genuine commitment to employee development, she elevates everyone around her.”

As for what she would tell someone considering a career with Emanuel County, Coker doesn’t hesitate.

“Take the opportunity. Even if the pay or the benefits look better somewhere else, here you’ll learn everything from the ground up. If you put in the work, they’ll invest in you. I’m proof of that.”

As she looks ahead to the next year and the next audit, she feels more certain each day that she’s exactly where she’s supposed to be.

“While there’s always a learning curve with any new role, I grow more confident with each passing day. Going through this first cycle as Chief will only strengthen that. Every day, I’m more sure that coming back was the right choice.”

The Emanuel County Board of Commissioners governs Emanuel County, focusing on legislative and administrative responsibilities. Comprised of representatives from five districts, the board oversees policies and programs that impact local development, budgeting, and public services. Commissioners work collectively to ensure fiscal responsibility and address community needs, collaborating with other county departments and agencies. They are committed to supporting economic growth, public safety, and community well-being across Emanuel County.

For more information about the commissioners and for the latest from the county government, visit 124 North Main Street in Swainsboro; call 478-237-3881; follow us on Facebook; or visit www.emanuelco-ga.gov.