About Kris

Growing up in Pickens County, Kris has developed a deep love for serving his community. Beginning as a child, Kris began to learn the value of serving others. He served in the Boy Scouts of America, where he worked to earn the rank of Eagle Scout before completing High School.

This same love of serving others has guided Kris throughout his career. Beginning as a Police Officer, Kris learned the value of serving a cause larger than himself. This principle led him through an exciting career in law enforcement, serving as the Executive Director of the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce, a non profit event planner and much more. This same passion has led Kris to serve in a variety of ministry positions as well. He has served as a Men’s group leader, an Executive Pastor and a Family Life Pastor, and a law enforcement Chaplain in his career.

This same desire to serve is what has led Kris to announce his willingness to seek the position of Board of Commissioners Chairman.

Education & Experience

Education

  • Graduated from Pickens High School in 1993

  • Graduated from Valdosta State University in 1997 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

  • Graduated from the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government as a Certified Public Manager

Work Experience

  • Police Officer with Valdosta Police Department from 1997-1998

  • Parole Officer with Georgia State Board of Pardons and Parole from 1998-2002

  • President and Executive Director with the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce from 2002-2004

  • Manager of Courier Services & IT Engineer with Crescent Bank & Trust from 2005-2006

  • Executive Pastor of The Pointe Church from 2006-2008

  • Sales Representative & Managing Editor for Homes & Land Magazine from 2006-2008

  • Pickens Sheriff’s Office (positions listed below) from 2008 - Present*

  • Deputy Sheriff 2008-2009

    • Patrolled Streets of Pickens County

  • Commander of Professional Standards 2009-2010

    • Wrote Policies and Procedures and served as an Internal Affairs Investigator

  • Commander of Training Unit 2010-2011

    • Organized and Conducted Training for all Pickens Sheriff’s Office Staff

  • Commander of Criminal Investigations Division 2011-2013

    • Oversaw all Detectives and Activities

    • Actively investigated crimes that required follow up investigation

  • Commander of Administrative Services Division 2013-Present

    • Oversee Records Unit

    • Oversee Professional Standards Unit

    • Conduct all Community Relations Activities

    • Oversee Information Technology

    • Oversee Training Unit

    • Oversee Facilities Maintenance

    • Oversee Special Projects and Inmate Work Detail

    • Serve as the agencies Public Information Officer

    • Assist with budget preparation and oversight for the Administrative portion of the Sheriff’s Office annual budget which has remained at or below budget for the past 5 years.

    • Oversee Quartermaster and Hiring

  • *In 2014, Kris left to help start a Family Life Division with Oak Leaf Church and returned after 9 months.

  • Chaplain 2011-Present

Non Profit & Board of Directors

Kris has actively served as the Event Planner and Coordinator of the Sheriff’s JeepFest since 2013. This includes all planning activities, vendor recruitment, logistical layout, marketing and registration, and a variety of other tasks. Since his involvement, the Sheriff’s JeepFest has grown in attendance from approximately 500 Jeeps to 2,500 Jeeps from all corners of the country. This has allowed the Sheriff’s Foundation to pour hundreds of thousands of dollars back into our local community through youth related non-profits.

Kris Currently serves as a Board Member for:

  • North Georgia Christian Academy

  • Angels on Horseback

  • Ex-Officio member of the Sheriff’s Foundation, Inc.

In the past, Kris has also participated in work with Prevent Child Abuse Pickens, Habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots, and a variety of other charitable organizations.

Family

While attending Valdosta State University, Kris met his lovely wife, Allison. Shortly after graduating, Kris and Allison were married and began their life together. Allison has served families in Pickens County for over 20 years as an Elementary School teacher and loves to invest her life preparing children for the future. They have 2 children. Megan, a graduate of Pickens High School, is currently attending the University of North Georgia where she is studying Art Education. Evan is attending High School at North Georgia Christian Academy where he is following his lifelong dream of becoming a Missionary. To complete the family, the Stancils have a 14 year old Bichon named Jesse.

Kris, Allison and their children are actively involved serving at their church, Revolution - Jasper.

Kris is the son of Johnny and Cheryl Stancil, who both still reside in Pickens County. He has a sister, Jodi Deetlefs, who recently returned from serving more than 12 years with her husband and daughter as missionaries in South Africa. She is currently serving at CARES for Pickens County.

Historically, Kris has a long history that connects him with local leadership in Pickens County. His Great-Uncle, Freddie Stancil, served as Pickens County’s Sole Commissioner in the 1980’s. In addition, two of Kris’s Great Grandfathers also served as Sheriff of Pickens County. Jim Pool served from 1932 - 1942 and Fred Stancil served from 1942 - 1945 and again from 1953 - 1957. During this time, Kris’s grandmother, Carrie Poole grew up as a young girl living in the historic Jail on Main Street. Kris’s other grandmother, Elaine Thomason, was a founding member of Keep Pickens Beautiful.