The Pandemic Classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022 bowling night was a tremendous success, bringing Leadership DeKalb alumni together for an evening of laughter, friendly competition, and reconnection. It was a great reminder that even after challenging seasons, our network remains strong, supportive, and ready to show up for one another.

Thank you to our Alumni Engagement Committee Chair J. Nichole Simms '20 and volunteers Jim Donofrio '24 and Tammy Washington '25 for helping to organize and assist with the event. We look forward to more events like this in the future!

On Thursday, January 29, the Class of 2026 spent Government & Infrastructure Day immersed in the systems, people, and decisions that keep DeKalb County running. The Honorable Mike Jacobs ’16 welcomed the Class to his courtroom at the DeKalb County Courthouse with breakfast and coffee from Dunkin. DeKalb County Chief Operating Officer, Zach Williams ’15, then gave an in-depth and illuminating overview of county governance. Kelly Cato ’22, Super District 7 Chief of Staff, next provided insights into how to get involved in DeKalb County government. The Class then heard directly from DeKalb County Commissioners Dr. LaDena Bolton ’24, Nicole Massiah ’20, Robert Patrick, and Ted Terry ’19 about Board of Commissioners’ meetings, subcommittees, and how they serve the County.

From there, the Class traveled by MARTA buses to the Atlanta Regional Commission for lunch from Beni’s Cubano sponsored by Atlas. Haley Berry ’24, Deputy Chief Operating of ARC, gave an overview of ARC’s services, resources, and investments that are helping to make this one great region. Andy Huff ’24, Georgia Power’s Leadership, Employee, and Visual Communication Manager discussed the realities of delivering reliable energy. ARC’s Managing Director, Danny Johnson ’23, next provided insights and information into our water resources, our aging infrastructure, and the rapid growth of data centers.

After boarding the MARTA buses and hearing about MARTA’s current initiatives and future plans from Heather Luyk, MARTA Strategic Programs Manager, Office of the Chief of Staff, and Angela Jetty, MARTA Media Communications Specialist, the program day continued at the City of Decatur’s Public Works Office. Decatur City Manager Andrea Arnold ’01 and Chief of Staff Meredith Roark led interactive sessions on budgeting and capital planning, while Cara Scharer ’24, Julie Gyuricza, Eric Byrne, Sean Woodson ’13, Julie Harlan, and Dajhea Jones gave tours of the Public Works Office and detailed how the City of Decatur delivers essential services to its residents.

The day concluded with CEO Lorraine Cochran‑Johnson ’20, Chief of Staff Dr. Leah Davis ’21, Chief Communications Officer Dionna Smith ’26, and Chief of Intergovernmental Affair, Martha Revelo, providing a powerful presentation on the State of the County and future plans.

From governance to infrastructure, transportation to public works, the Class of 2026 walked away with a deeper understanding of how DeKalb County operates—and how leaders across sectors collaborate to serve a growing, dynamic community.



Thank you to our Leadership DeKalb Government & Infrastructure Day Committee for planning a special day for the Class of 2026:

• Andrea Arnold '01 - Co-Chair
• Haley Berry '24 - Co-Chair
• Andrew Huff '24 - Co-Chair
• Mike Jacobs '16 - Co-Chair
• J. Nichole Simms '20 - Co-Chair
• Kelli Anderson ‘25
• Kelly Cato '22
• Sachi Cole '25
• Dr. Leah Davis '21
• Jadia Haynes '25

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Government & Infrastructure Day Sponsors:

Do you know a leader who is shaping DeKalb County’s future? Now is the time to nominate them for the Class of 2027. Applications close on March 13, 2026. Please contact us at info@leadershipdekalb.org with any questions. Thank you for supporting Leadership DeKalb!

Applications for the Leadership DeKalb Class of 2027 are officially open!

If you are ready to deepen your understanding of our community, strengthen your leadership skills, and build meaningful relationships with fellow changemakers, this is your moment.

Leadership DeKalb brings together professionals from across sectors who are committed to growing personally and investing in DeKalb County’s future. The program is immersive, thought-provoking, and designed to challenge and expand your perspective. Please contact us at info@leadershipdekalb.org with any questions! The deadline is March 13, 2026.

Congratulations to Denise Carter '26, who was honored by Influential Women for her impactful work with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Congratulations to Allyson Gevertz ’07 and Awet Eyasu ’26 on their appointments as Chair and Vice Chair of the DeKalb County Board of Education. Their leadership and service continue to strengthen our community and make Leadership DeKalb proud.

Congratulations to Janikqua Cutno '26 on her promotion to Corporate Director, Office of Health Impact (OHI) with Emory Healthcare.

Congratulations to Trisha Hardy '24 for her new role as Senior Leader with Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Congratulations to Chakira Johnson ’20 on her selection as Presiding Officer of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, and to Dr. LaDena Bolton ’24 on being named Deputy Presiding Officer. Their leadership continues to make the Leadership DeKalb community proud.

Congratulations to Lindsay Partin '25 on her promotion as Senior Manager, Marketing Operations at Emory Healthcare.

Congratulations to Virginia Rece '26 on her appointment to Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Tucker.

Thank you for being an essential part of the Leadership DeKalb community. Together, we are shaping the future of our county. Connect with Leadership DeKalb members and follow updates from the organization through our page on Facebook and LinkedIn.