Dekalb County Government Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Dekalb County Government has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, administrative operations, technology infrastructure, and public safety.

Committed to regional excellence, Dekalb County Government delivers essential public services to the third most populated county in Georgia while fostering sustainable community development and transparent governance.

Leadership Roles at Dekalb County Government

  • Chief Executive Officer - Lorraine Cochran-Johnson
  • Chief Operating Officer - Zachary Williams
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Development - Luz Borrero
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer - William Rhinehart
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer & Director, Public Safety - Darnell Fullum
  • Chief of Staff - Demetrius McCoy
  • Chief Information Officer - Scott Shelton
  • Major, Chief of Staff - Matthew Ferreira
  • Chief of Staff, District 5 - Alana Griggs
  • Chief of Staff, District 2 - Saafi Tyler
  • Lorraine Cochran-Johnson - Chief Executive Officer

    Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, the Chief Executive Officer at Dekalb County Government, directs the overarching strategic vision for the third most populated county in Georgia. Cochran-Johnson manages complex administrative frameworks to ensure efficient service delivery across diverse municipal departments. By aligning departmental goals with the needs of the Decatur community, the Chief Executive Officer drives long-term economic growth and infrastructure stability. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board of Commissioners to refine public policy and optimize resource allocation. Through rigorous oversight of county-wide initiatives, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson maintains high standards of accountability and fiscal responsibility. The Chief Executive Officer prioritizes community engagement to address the evolving requirements of the local population. Ultimately, Cochran-Johnson secures the operational integrity of the county by implementing data-driven solutions that enhance the quality of life for all residents within the regional jurisdiction.

    Zachary Williams - Chief Operating Officer

    Zachary Williams, the Chief Operating Officer at Dekalb County Government, manages the day-to-day execution of essential public services and internal business processes. Williams oversees the functional departments responsible for maintaining county infrastructure and operational readiness. By optimizing workflows and resource distribution, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the third most populated county in Georgia functions with maximum efficiency. This role involves coordinating with department directors to implement performance standards that improve service delivery for residents. Zachary Williams monitors operational budgets and project timelines to ensure alignment with the strategic goals established by the executive leadership team. Through rigorous oversight of internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer drives continuous improvement in service quality and administrative responsiveness. Williams addresses complex logistical challenges to maintain the stability of county operations. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer supports the long-term growth of the region by fostering a culture of operational excellence and accountability.

    Luz Borrero - Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Development

    Luz Borrero, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Development at Dekalb County Government, directs the strategic planning and execution of land use and economic development projects. Borrero oversees the departments responsible for zoning, permitting, and urban planning to ensure sustainable growth within the third most populated county in Georgia. By streamlining development processes, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Development attracts investment and supports the expansion of local businesses. This leadership role involves collaborating with stakeholders to balance infrastructure needs with community preservation. Luz Borrero monitors development trends to ensure that all projects align with the long-term vision of the county. Through effective management of development resources, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Development drives economic vitality and improves the built environment for all residents. Borrero coordinates with other executive leaders to ensure that development initiatives support the overall operational goals of the county. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Development secures the future prosperity of the region through thoughtful planning.

    William Rhinehart - Deputy Chief Operating Officer

    William Rhinehart, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Dekalb County Government, manages the internal support services and facility maintenance operations. Rhinehart oversees the departments responsible for fleet management, building maintenance, and procurement to ensure that the county has the necessary tools for effective service delivery. By optimizing the maintenance of physical assets, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer supports the operational efficiency of the third most populated county in Georgia. This role involves coordinating with department heads to identify infrastructure needs and implement cost-effective solutions. William Rhinehart monitors the performance of support services to ensure that all county facilities remain safe and functional for employees and the public. Through strategic oversight of internal operations, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer drives improvements in service reliability and resource management. Rhinehart collaborates with other executive leaders to align support functions with the broader mission of the county. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer maintains the operational foundation required for successful governance.

    Darnell Fullum - Deputy Chief Operating Officer & Director, Public Safety

    Darnell Fullum, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer & Director, Public Safety at Dekalb County Government, directs the comprehensive public safety strategy for the county. Fullum oversees the emergency services, fire rescue, and law enforcement coordination to ensure the protection of the Decatur community and the surrounding region. By integrating safety operations with county-wide administrative goals, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer & Director, Public Safety enhances the responsiveness of emergency teams. This leadership role involves managing large-scale safety budgets and personnel training programs to maintain high standards of service. Darnell Fullum monitors safety metrics to identify areas for improvement and implements data-driven strategies to reduce risk. Through proactive management, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer & Director, Public Safety ensures that the county remains prepared for any emergency. Fullum collaborates with other executive leaders to align safety initiatives with the overall strategic vision of the county. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer & Director, Public Safety secures the safety of the population through expert leadership.

    Demetrius McCoy - Chief of Staff

    Demetrius McCoy, the Chief of Staff at Dekalb County Government, coordinates internal communications and executive workflows to streamline administrative efficiency. McCoy manages the daily operations of the executive office, ensuring that strategic priorities receive immediate attention from relevant department heads. By facilitating cross-functional collaboration, the Chief of Staff supports the execution of county-wide policy initiatives and legislative agendas. This role requires precise management of high-level projects that impact the broader Georgia region. Demetrius McCoy monitors organizational performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement and resource optimization. Through proactive problem-solving, the Chief of Staff mitigates operational bottlenecks and fosters a culture of transparency. McCoy maintains strong relationships with external stakeholders to advance the mission of the county. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff ensures that all executive directives align with the long-term goals of the administration, providing the necessary support to maintain stable and effective governance.

    Scott Shelton - Chief Information Officer

    Scott Shelton, the Chief Information Officer at Dekalb County Government, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support modern municipal operations. Shelton oversees the implementation of secure data systems and enterprise software that enable efficient service delivery for the third most populated county in Georgia. By modernizing legacy platforms, the Chief Information Officer enhances the accessibility of public records and digital citizen services. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive government data from emerging threats. Scott Shelton collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate technology into public safety and administrative workflows, driving operational efficiency across the organization. Through strategic investment in cloud-based solutions, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the county remains resilient and responsive to technological shifts. Shelton maintains a focus on scalability, ensuring that digital tools support the growing needs of the Decatur community and the surrounding regional population.
    Scott Shelton

    Matthew Ferreira - Major, Chief of Staff

    Matthew Ferreira, the Major, Chief of Staff at Dekalb County Government, directs the administrative and tactical coordination of public safety operations. Ferreira manages the integration of specialized personnel and resources to ensure the security of the Decatur community and the broader county. By aligning safety protocols with executive policy, the Major, Chief of Staff enhances the effectiveness of emergency response and law enforcement initiatives. This leadership role involves managing complex inter-departmental communications to maintain operational readiness across the region. Matthew Ferreira monitors safety performance data to identify trends and implement proactive measures that protect the public. Through strategic planning, the Major, Chief of Staff supports the overall mission of the county government by ensuring that safety services remain robust and reliable. Ferreira coordinates with other executive leaders to allocate resources where they are most needed. Ultimately, the Major, Chief of Staff secures the well-being of the population through disciplined management and strategic oversight.

    Alana Griggs - Chief of Staff, District 5

    Alana Griggs, the Chief of Staff, District 5 at Dekalb County Government, manages the legislative and constituent affairs for the fifth district. Griggs oversees the daily operations of the district office, ensuring that local concerns receive direct attention from the county administration. By facilitating communication between residents and government officials, the Chief of Staff, District 5 drives community-focused policy development and service improvements. This role involves coordinating with other district leaders to address regional issues that impact the third most populated county in Georgia. Alana Griggs monitors local project progress and ensures that district initiatives align with the broader strategic goals of the county. Through proactive engagement, the Chief of Staff, District 5 fosters trust and transparency within the community. Griggs manages the administrative staff to ensure that all constituent inquiries are resolved efficiently. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff, District 5 supports the stability and growth of the district through dedicated leadership and effective advocacy.

    Saafi Tyler - Chief of Staff, District 2

    Saafi Tyler, the Chief of Staff, District 2 at Dekalb County Government, manages the legislative and constituent affairs for the second district. Tyler oversees the daily operations of the district office, ensuring that local concerns receive direct attention from the county administration. By facilitating communication between residents and government officials, the Chief of Staff, District 2 drives community-focused policy development and service improvements. This role involves coordinating with other district leaders to address regional issues that impact the third most populated county in Georgia. Saafi Tyler monitors local project progress and ensures that district initiatives align with the broader strategic goals of the county. Through proactive engagement, the Chief of Staff, District 2 fosters trust and transparency within the community. Tyler manages the administrative staff to ensure that all constituent inquiries are resolved efficiently. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff, District 2 supports the stability and growth of the district through dedicated leadership and effective advocacy.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Dekalb County Government Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Dekalb County Government?
    Dekalb County Government is led by Lorraine Cochran-Johnson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Zachary Williams (Chief Operating Officer) and Luz Borrero (Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Development).
    Who is part of Dekalb County Government’s executive team?
    The executive team of Dekalb County Government includes leaders such as Lorraine Cochran-Johnson (Chief Executive Officer), Zachary Williams (Chief Operating Officer), Luz Borrero (Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Development) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Dekalb County Government have?
    Dekalb County Government has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Dekalb County Government’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Dekalb County Government includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Development, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Chief Operating Officer & Director, Public Safety.