The executive director of Georgia’s largest physicians organization has been picked to head the state Department of Community Health.

David Cook, an attorney and longtime head of the Medical Association of Georgia, was rumored to be at the top of Gov.-elect Nathan Deal’s list for the DCH job.

As Dave Williams of the Atlanta Business Chronicle points out, the two go way back. Cook was chief of staff for Deal when the latter was in Congress and also worked for Deal in the Georgia General Assembly.

Cook will replace current DCH Commissioner Clyde Reese, who will move to the top position at the Department of Human Services.

Georgia Health News will try to interview Cook soon to flesh out his views on the state’s health care challenges. Cook  becomes Community Health commissioner in January.