311 Citizen Help Center

Amaris Sawyer is a Chicago native who proudly considers DeKalb County her second home — the place where her professional journey began and her commitment to public service took root. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy from Agnes Scott College, where she embraced leadership both inside and outside the classroom. Understanding that true scholarship extends beyond academics, Amaris immersed herself in student advocacy early on. She began her collegiate leadership journey as a first-year class representative and concluded her tenure as President of the Student Government Association. In that role, she oversaw four class councils and served as a student liaison to the College’s Board of Trustees, amplifying student voices while encouraging others to confidently use their own. Recognized for her strong written and verbal communication skills, Amaris also served as a writing and speaking peer tutor beginning her sophomore year, providing one-on-one coaching to help fellow students strengthen their academic and presentation skills. Upon graduation, Amaris began her professional career in public service as the Constituent Services Manager for the District 7 DeKalb County Commission Office under the leadership of former Commissioner and current Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran Johnson. In this role, she managed all incoming office communications, oversaw the resolution of resident concerns, and served as a vital liaison between constituents and County departments. Through her work in Constituent Services, Amaris developed a deep understanding of the power of responsiveness in effective governance. She believes that accessibility, accountability, and communication are foundational to building trust between government and community. Today, she carries those principles forward in her role as 311 Citizen Call Center Director, where she remains committed to ensuring that residents are heard, supported, and served with excellence.