O.C.G.A. § 7-1-34

In the event there shall be a vacancy in the office caused by death, resignation, disability, disqualification, suspension, or removal of the commissioner, the senior deputy commissioner of banking and finance previously designated by the commissioner as provided in Code Section 7-1-35 shall exercise the powers and perform the duties of the commissioner until a successor is appointed and qualified to serve for the unexpired term of the commissioner.