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Executive Leadership Team

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The Executive Leadership Team, appointed by the Chief Executive Officer, provides oversight and strategic guidance for DeKalb County’s operations, services, and policy implementation.

This group of senior leaders brings extensive experience in public administration, communications, technology, development, and intergovernmental affairs. Working collaboratively across all departments, the team ensures that County initiatives are aligned with the goals of efficiency, accountability, and service excellence for the residents and businesses of DeKalb County.
 

Chief of Staff
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Dr. Leah Davis

Strategic & Operational Leader

  • Holds a Ph.D. in Public Affairs from Indiana University
  • Served as Chief of Staff for Super District 7
  • Former senior management analyst for the City of Atlanta, Department of Watershed Management’s Office of Performance and Accountability
Chief Operating Officer
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Zach Williams

Credential Manager, International City/County Management Association

  • Former Fulton County Manager serving nearly 1 million residents
  • Managed $400M+ in Capital Improvement Programs
  • M.P.A. from California State University, Long Beach
Chief Information Officer (Interim)
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Scott Shelton

Over 22 years of experience in IT and enterprise systems leadership

  • Oversees Oracle HCM Cloud and digital transformation initiatives for DeKalb County.
  • A Florida State University graduate, he is recognized for advancing innovation and operational excellence across County services.
Chief Development Officer
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Jacob Vallo

25+ Years in Real Estate & Development

  • Former Assistant General Manager, MARTA Real Estate Development
  • Completed $1.5B+ in development transactions
  • Expertise in public-private partnerships and transit-oriented development
Chief of Intergovernmental Relations
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Martha Revelo

M.S. in Political Science, Georgia State University

  • Former Associate Director for Government Affairs, Association County Commissioners of Georgia
  • First Latina to serve as Northeast Outreach Director for a U.S. Georgia Senator (Sen. Raphael Warnock)
  • Secured $4M+ in federal earmarks including largest investment in Northeast Georgia history
Chief Communications Officer
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Dionna Smith

Strategic Communications 
& Public Affairs Expert

  • Former Chief Diversity & Public Affairs Officer in EdTech
  • Recognized thought leader: Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 Under 40
  • Featured on CNN, NPR, Forbes, and CSPAN
Project Manager, Office of the CEO
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Sczeny Hartry

Certified Project Management Professional

  • Experience at Cisco, Bank of America, and the City of Atlanta
  • Leads major initiatives advancing County’s public safety, digital modernization, and community health
  • Valdosta State University graduate recognized for strategic leadership, innovation, and operational excellence in public service
Chief Housing Officer
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Alan Ferguson

Addressing affordable housing and homelessness

  • A nationally recognized leader in affordable housing and community revitalization
  • Dr. Ferguson is a proud alumnus of Morehouse College, Emory University, and Georgia State University
  • Served as President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Atlanta

Department Operations Groups

DeKalb County’s Department Operations Groups work to provide the essential services that keep our community moving forward. These departments manage the day-to-day operations that support residents, businesses, and visitors, ensuring safe neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, responsible growth, and efficient government operations.

Organized into four key areas: Administrative Services, Development, Infrastructure, and Public Safety, each group plays a vital role in delivering quality services, promoting innovation, and conducting the County’s mission to serve with excellence and integrity.

Administrative Services

  • Finance
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology
  • Purchasing & Contracting
     

Development

  • Community Development
  • Economic Development
  • GIS & Mapping
  • Workforce Development
  • DeKalb-Peachtree Airport

Infrastructure

  • Public Works
  • Sanitation & Recycling
  • Parks & Recreation (127 parks)
  • Watershed Management
     

Public Safety

  • Police Department
  • Fire & Rescue
  • Emergency Management (DEMA)
  • Medical Examiner
  • Animal Control
Boards & Commissions

DeKalb County’s appointed boards and commissions provide community oversight, expertise, and guidance on a wide range of county services and policies. Members are appointed by the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Commissioners to serve fixed terms as defined by law. These volunteer groups play an essential role in shaping decisions, advising county leadership, and ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented in the governance process.

List of appointed boards and commissions

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