Communications Department
The DeKalb County Office of Communications, housed within the Office of the CEO, serves as the County's central communications authority. Through strategic planning, creative storytelling, media relations, digital engagement, and public information, the department ensures residents receive timely, accurate, and accessible information about County government.
Our mission is to strengthen the connection between DeKalb County and the communities we serve by communicating with transparency, consistency, and purpose. From highlighting County initiatives and essential services to supporting public awareness and civic engagement, the Office of Communications helps build trust, foster informed participation, and ensure every resident has access to the information they need.
Leadership
Dionna Smith Ms. Smith serves as the Chief Communications Officer providing strategic engagement across a variety of platforms to foster effective, transparent communication that educates and enlightens the community, while amplifying county's initiatives, and engaging residents through meaningful, two-way interactions. Smith takes a conglomerate approach to communication that utilizes a cross functional emphasis on technology and mass communication to disseminate and build awareness.
Dionna joins DeKalb County as a seasoned public affairs and communications strategist and executive with a distinguished career spanning tech, media, policy, crisis management, and community engagement. She has a proven track record of elevating organizational narratives and guiding leaders in crafting impactful messaging strategies.
Previously, Dionna served as Chief Diversity & Public Affairs Officer for a leading EdTech company, where she oversaw internal and external communications, federal and state policy advisement, and media strategies for products impacting over 22 million K-12 students across the country. Her work earned her the prestigious Leader of the Year award from the American Consortium for Equity in Education.
A sought-after spokesperson and speaker, Dionna has presented at SXSW, SHRM, the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL) Conference, and many others. She has served as a trusted policy advisor on federal and state EdTech policy and has been featured on national platforms such as CSPAN, NPR, Fast Company, CNN Money, Forbes, and EdTech Magazine. Throughout her career, she has worked with some of the world's most recognized brands, including Thumbtack, Cisco, Fiserv, LexisNexis, and Delta Air Lines.
Recognized as a thought leader and media contributor, Dionna's accolades include Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 Under 40 Award, the National Diversity Council's Diversity Champion Award, the Top 100 Chief Diversity Officers in Tech Award, and Leader of the Year in 2023 by the American Consortium for Equity in Education.
Dionna attended Howard University and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Media Arts from Tulane University. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dionna is active in the community, serving on the advisory board of PowerToFly and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Pathway Community Foundation.
The Vision
To be the driving force behind a reimagined DeKalb County where communication builds trust, innovation strengthens connections, and every story reflects a government that is responsive, transparent, and centered on its people.
DeKalb Reimagining
Communication Team Pillars
Strategic Communications
Driving the County's voice through thoughtful planning and engagement.
Leads the communications strategy that ensures consistent, transparent, and effective messaging across the organization. This team develops communication plans, provides executive communications support, manages internal communications, and fosters two-way engagement with residents and stakeholders.
Public Affairs
Building trust through media and public information.
Serves as the County's primary liaison with the media by managing press releases, media inquiries, interviews, press conferences, and public statements. The team works to keep residents informed while protecting and strengthening the County's public reputation.
Marketing & Digital Media
Bringing County initiatives to life through creative storytelling.
Develops visual and digital content that promotes County programs, services, and events. Responsibilities include graphic design, social media management, event marketing, presentations, print and digital advertising, branding, photography, videography, and creative campaign development.
DCTV
Connecting residents through broadcast and video storytelling.
Produces and manages the County's in-house television and video programming. DCTV provides live meeting coverage, government programming, event broadcasts, educational content, interviews, and multimedia productions that increase transparency and keep residents informed.
Proclamations
Request a Proclamation
DeKalb County CEO proclamations recognize special honors, cultural events, nonprofit organizations, and significant milestones.
Requirements:
- Must be requested by DeKalb County citizens or organizations
- 21 business days advance notice required
- Must be relevant to DeKalb County
- Include 4-6 "Whereas" clauses in draft language
Eligible for Proclamations:
- Special honors and achievements
- Arts and cultural events
- Nonprofit organization recognition
- Retirements and milestone birthdays (90+)
- Significant anniversaries (60+ years)
Contact Information
DeKalb County Communications Department
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: 404-371-2000
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Useful Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a digital copy of my proclamation?
A. Yes, digital proclamations can be emailed upon request.
Q. How do I submit a news tip or press release?
A. Contact our media team at ssturner@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 470-393-8348.
Q. Where can I watch county meetings?
A. DCTV broadcasts are available online and on local cable channels.