Governor Brian P. Kemp has announced two key appointments in state leadership, effective September 1. Oscar “Bo” Fears will become the new Commissioner of Banking and Finance, replacing Kevin Hagler, who is retiring after serving as the department’s second longest-tenured commissioner. Dr. Fran Dundore has been named Director of the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA), succeeding Ian Caraway, who will return to the Governor’s Office as Director of Policy and External Affairs.
“Marty, the girls, and I want to thank Bo for his years of dedicated service to the state as he steps into this new leadership role,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “We’re excited for his contributions to the department and are also incredibly thankful for the decades of valued service given by Kevin Hagler. As he prepares to enjoy a well-earned retirement, we wish him and his family continued happiness.”
“The Kemp family is also grateful that Fran will continue to benefit the students, teachers, and families of Georgia by taking on her new role,” the governor continued. “Her decades of experience in both the classroom and public service make her uniquely qualified to succeed in this role and ensure our state is empowering our next generation with the greatest gift we can give them: a strong educational foundation.”
“Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank Ian for his years of hard work and dedication as an important member of Team Kemp. His brief time at GOSA has already made that office stronger, and Marty and I are thankful that his breadth of knowledge on education and workforce matters will continue to benefit my office and the entire state.”
Oscar “Bo” Fears III currently serves as Senior Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Banking and Finance where he manages general administration, policy development, information technology oversight, security, and project management. He joined the agency in 2013 as Deputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs after spending 16 years at the Georgia Attorney General’s office with responsibilities including leading the Business and Finance Section within its Commercial Transactions and Litigation Division. Fears holds a B.A. in history from Emory University and a J.D. from University of Texas School of Law.
Fran Dundore has been part of GOSA since 2022 as Director of School Services overseeing programs such as the annual Governor’s Honors Program which supports academic enrichment for students across Georgia. Her career spans 28 years in public education roles including high school English teacher, principal, district curriculum leader, and assistant superintendent focused on advancing academic opportunities statewide. Dundore holds degrees from Piedmont University (English), University of North Georgia (leadership), and Georgia Southern University (leadership). She lives in Athens with her husband.
