Mercer University Chancellor Kirby Godsey will serve as the interim chairman of the Macon Water Authority board.

Bibb County Probate Court Judge Bill Self made the move official Tuesday by approving that recommendation.

Godsey, Mercer’s former president, will take office at the next regular meeting of the board, replacing the late Frank C. Amerson Jr.. Godsey was the unanimous choice of the authority’s board members.

In a statement, Godsey said he was willing to serve out the remainder of Amerson’s term because of his “deep respect” for Amerson.

Amerson, 83, died last month after complications from surgery. He had served as the authority’s board chairman for more than 30 years.