The Covington County Commission on Friday voted unanimously to offer the county administrator’s job to Karen Lawson Sowell, effective Jan. 1.

The new administrator will replace Brenda Petty, who is retiring after 30 years.

Sowell, one of five candidates considered for the job, currently serves as chief clerk of the probate office. She is expected to respond to the offer on Tuesday, as Monday is a holiday for county employees.

Commission Chairman Bill Godwin said if Sowell accepts the job, he hopes to work out a transition period with Probate Judge Ben Bowden so that Sowell can work with Petty before she leaves.