Ms. Keener is a lifelong resident of Gilmer County, a 1981 graduate of Gilmer High School, and received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Reinhardt University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. A United States Army veteran, Ms. Keener served in military intelligence and was stationed in a tactical unit in Augsburg, Germany.

Her career in law began in 1985 as a legal assistant in her father’s law firm. She also took an interest in real estate obtaining her real estate sales license and later, a real estate appraiser license. Ms. Keener is currently employed with the District Attorney’s Office in Gilmer County as a legal assistant. She has held this position with the Appalachian Judicial Circuit for over eight years and during this time, has developed positive working relationships with other county and state agencies. Prior to her employment with the District Attorney’s Office, she worked in the law office of Pamela Thomas Jones as a legal assistant. Through the years, Ms. Keener has been an active member in the community volunteering with the Gilmer County Recreation and Parks Department. She served as secretary for the Recreation and Parks Board, and thereafter, was appointed Recreation and Parks Director.

Susan’s father, Gaines A. Tyler, was a member of the State Bar, practicing law in Gilmer County for almost two decades prior to his death in 1990. Her mother, Dixie Tyler, has been an administrative assistant with the Gilmer County Road Department for over a decade. Siblings include Tammy Craft of Dalton, Georgia, Michael Tyler and Jessie Ellington, both of Ellijay. Ms. Keener has two children, Capt. Tyler R. Torres and Hannah Keener. Tyler is an honor graduate of Gilmer High School and a graduate of the University of Georgia and is currently serving in the Army National Guard. He resides in Marietta, Georgia with his wife, Caitlin, and their three lovely daughters, Zoe, Harper and Emmalyn. Her daughter, Hannah Dixie, is also an honor graduate of Gilmer High School and in her 3rd year at Dalton State College pursuing a degree in education.

According to Ms. Keener,

The position of Probate Judge requires the ability to determine right from wrong and to make legal and ethical decisions. In addition, the duties and responsibilities of the Probate Court should be carried out in a judicious, efficient and effective manner. Maintaining a well-trained and customer friendly staff should be factored in when serving the public, especially when decisions pertaining to one’s property, health, and welfare are at stake. The people in this community deserve the care, competence, and commitment that the Probate Court demands and as your Probate Judge, this is my commitment to the citizens of Gilmer County.

Susan Tyler Keener “For the WILL of the people”
Contact information:
Susan Tyler Keener, Probate Judge Candidate
Hannah C. Findley, Campaign Chairperson & Treasurer
P.O. Box 1512
Ellijay, Georgia 30540
Email: [email protected]