Georgia's Department of Juvenile Justice board members have unanimously elected an interim commissioner.

The department announced Thursday that Avery Niles was named as the interim. Niles will resign from the state's juvenile justice board, effective Oct. 31.

Niles' appointment comes a day after L. Gale Buckner announced her retirement, which will take effect Nov. 1. Buckner will serve as chief magistrate judge in Murray County.

The Governor's office advised the board by teleconference of Gov. Nathan Deal's support for Niles as the interim commissioner.

Tags: Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, juvenile justice, Gale Buckner, Avery Niles, interim commissioner