Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has picked a new top prosecutor for the northwest corner of the state.

J. Matthew Williamson is the new solicitor general of the State Court of Walker County, Kemp announced Thursday.

Williamson's appointment fills the vacancy created by Chris Townley's recent resignation.

Williamson will leave his current job as Walker County's attorney, with the title of legal and policy director.

"Matthew's extensive experience and commitment to his local community make him an ideal choice for this important role," Kemp said in a news release. "I look forward to the positive impact that Matthew will have on Walker County in his service as solicitor general."

Kemp's announcement included a response from Williamson, saying, "It is my great honor to serve the people of Walker County in this capacity."

Williamson formerly served as an attorney with the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Office of the Public Defender and as an associate in private practice with Womack, Gottlieb & Rodham in LaFayette.

He recently served as LaFayette Rotary Club president and was recognized as one of the 2013 recipients of Walker County's "40 under 40" award. He is currently a participant in Leadership Walker County's class of 2020.

Williamson earned his J.D. at the University of Maryland law school and joined the State Bar of Georgia in 2012.