The state Board of Education approved the 11-member panel on Thursday.
Buttram said there is no timetable for making the appointment, but the process will start as soon as possible.
“We will take the adequate amount of time needed for such an important decision, but there will be no rush to judgment,” he said.
President Renee Culverhouse resigned in May for health reasons and is on extended sick leave until Dec. 31.
Valerie Richardson is acting president. Buttram said he thinks it is important to have someone from Cherokee County on the committee because of the role the school plays in this area.
“Gadsden State has been an integral part of Cherokee County and is even more so now with the establishment of the new campus here,” he said.
Gadsden State Cherokee started classes at its new complex in August.
Buttram, a lawyer for 31 years and a former federal judge, said he has had a close association with the school over the years. He was a student at Gadsden State and taught paralegal classes as an adjunct faculty member.
"I think the campus will have a tremendous impact academically and economically," he said.
Buttram said there is a perception that Gadsden State Cherokee is a nursing school, but that is only one part of its academic offerings.
Students can take most of their classes for associate degrees at the Cherokee campus.
The search committee will be chaired by Dr. Humphrey Lee, president of Northwest-Shoals Community College.
The committee also includes Etowah County Probate Judge Bobby Junkins, Gadsden-Etowah Chamber President Tom Quinn, Alabama Power Vice President Julia Segars of Anniston and CITY Skills Training Consortium Director Edward Roscoe Lane.
Buttram said the ideal candidate would have a strong academic background and exceptional management skills.
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