Dekalb County Government Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Dekalb County Government has 10 executives leading key functions including executive strategy, operational oversight, information technology, and administrative management.

Committed to public service excellence, Dekalb County Government delivers essential infrastructure and community support to the third most populated county in Georgia while fostering sustainable regional growth.

Leadership Roles at Dekalb County Government

  • Chief Executive Officer - Lorraine Cochran-Johnson
  • Chief Operating Officer - Zachary Williams
  • Chief of Staff - Maryuri Avila
  • Chief Information Officer - Scott Shelton
  • Chief of Staff, District 5 - Alana Griggs
  • Chief of Staff, District 2 - Saafi Tyler
  • Major, Chief of Staff - Matthew Ferreira
  • Deputy Director - Scott Sellers
  • Deputy Director - Malissa Bush
  • Deputy Director - Henry Julietta
  • 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 the implementation of public policy and ensures the efficient delivery of government services across the region. By coordinating with department heads, the Chief Executive Officer aligns administrative goals with the needs of the diverse population residing within the county seat of Decatur. This leadership role involves balancing fiscal responsibility with the expansion of essential community infrastructure. Through rigorous oversight of county-wide initiatives, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson drives progress in public safety, economic development, and social services. The Chief Executive Officer maintains accountability to the public by monitoring performance metrics and adjusting operational strategies to meet evolving demographic demands. Ultimately, Cochran-Johnson secures the long-term stability and prosperity of the entire county through proactive governance and collaborative decision-making processes.

    Zachary Williams - Chief Operating Officer

    Zachary Williams, the Chief Operating Officer at Dekalb County Government, directs the operational efficiency of all public service delivery systems. Williams manages the integration of cross-departmental workflows to ensure that the third most populated county in Georgia functions as a cohesive unit. By analyzing operational data, the Chief Operating Officer identifies bottlenecks and implements solutions to improve service speed and quality. This role involves working with the executive team to translate high-level policy into actionable operational plans. Zachary Williams oversees the maintenance of public facilities and the deployment of resources to meet community demands. Through the application of lean management principles, the Chief Operating Officer reduces waste and optimizes the use of taxpayer funds. Williams drives the modernization of service delivery models to better serve the residents of the county seat of Decatur. This leadership role remains essential for maintaining the high standards of government performance.

    Maryuri Avila - Chief of Staff

    Maryuri Avila, the Chief of Staff at Dekalb County Government, coordinates the daily operations of the executive office to ensure seamless communication between departments. Avila manages the flow of information and policy directives from the leadership team to the various government agencies. By facilitating meetings and tracking project milestones, the Chief of Staff maintains alignment with the strategic goals of the third most populated county in Georgia. This role involves acting as a primary liaison for internal and external stakeholders to resolve complex administrative issues. Maryuri Avila monitors the progress of key initiatives to ensure that deadlines are met and objectives are achieved. Through the organization of executive workflows, the Chief of Staff enhances the productivity of the entire leadership team. Avila drives the implementation of administrative improvements that streamline government processes. This position remains critical for maintaining the operational tempo of the county seat of Decatur.

    Scott Shelton - Chief Information Officer

    Scott Shelton, the Chief Information Officer at Dekalb County Government, architects the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity framework for the entire county. Shelton directs the implementation of advanced technology solutions that support the operations of the third most populated county in Georgia. By managing the enterprise network and data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that government services remain accessible and secure for all residents. This role involves collaborating with department heads to integrate digital tools that enhance productivity and transparency. Scott Shelton monitors the threat landscape to protect sensitive public information from cyber risks. Through the deployment of cloud-based platforms, the Chief Information Officer improves the agility of the government organization. Shelton drives the digital transformation strategy that aligns with the long-term goals of the county seat of Decatur. This position remains vital for maintaining the technological backbone of the county government.
    Scott Shelton

    Alana Griggs - Chief of Staff, District 5

    Alana Griggs, the Chief of Staff, District 5 at Dekalb County Government, manages the legislative and community affairs for the fifth district. Griggs directs the communication strategy between the district office and the residents to ensure that local concerns receive proper attention. By coordinating with the executive leadership, the Chief of Staff, District 5 aligns local initiatives with the broader goals of the third most populated county in Georgia. This role involves organizing community meetings and managing the district office staff to provide responsive public service. Alana Griggs monitors the progress of district-specific projects to ensure that they meet the needs of the local population. Through the effective management of district resources, the Chief of Staff, District 5 improves the quality of life for constituents. Griggs drives the development of local policies that support the growth of the county seat of Decatur. This position remains essential for maintaining strong community relations.

    Saafi Tyler - Chief of Staff, District 2

    Saafi Tyler, the Chief of Staff, District 2 at Dekalb County Government, oversees the administrative and policy functions for the second district. Tyler directs the engagement efforts with local community groups to address specific regional challenges within the third most populated county in Georgia. By managing the district office operations, the Chief of Staff, District 2 ensures that constituent inquiries are handled with efficiency and care. This role involves working closely with the executive team to advocate for district priorities during the budget and planning processes. Saafi Tyler monitors the implementation of local programs to ensure that they deliver measurable benefits to the residents. Through the coordination of district activities, the Chief of Staff, District 2 enhances the responsiveness of the government to local needs. Tyler drives the development of community-focused initiatives that support the overall mission of the county seat of Decatur. This position remains vital for effective local governance.

    Matthew Ferreira - Major, Chief of Staff

    Matthew Ferreira, the Major, Chief of Staff at Dekalb County Government, directs the administrative and operational support for the public safety departments. Ferreira manages the coordination between law enforcement leadership and the executive office to ensure that public safety initiatives align with the goals of the third most populated county in Georgia. By overseeing the internal processes of the department, the Major, Chief of Staff maintains the readiness and effectiveness of the force. This role involves managing personnel resources and ensuring that all operations comply with legal and ethical standards. Matthew Ferreira monitors the performance of safety programs to identify areas for improvement and resource optimization. Through the application of strategic management, the Major, Chief of Staff enhances the security of the county seat of Decatur. Ferreira drives the implementation of modern safety protocols that protect the community. This position remains essential for maintaining public order and safety.

    Scott Sellers - Deputy Director

    Scott Sellers, the Deputy Director at Dekalb County Government, manages the logistical execution of public works and infrastructure maintenance programs. Sellers oversees the daily operations of the department to ensure compliance with state regulations and local safety standards. By coordinating resource allocation across various county districts, the Deputy Director optimizes the delivery of essential services to residents. This role requires constant interaction with the executive leadership team to align project timelines with broader county development goals. Scott Sellers monitors the performance of field teams to maintain high service quality and operational efficiency. Through the implementation of modern management practices, the Deputy Director improves the responsiveness of the government to community needs. Sellers drives the successful completion of capital improvement projects that support the growth of the third most populated county in Georgia. This position remains vital for maintaining the physical integrity of the county infrastructure.

    Malissa Bush - Deputy Director

    Malissa Bush, the Deputy Director at Dekalb County Government, directs the financial planning and budgetary oversight for critical public service departments. Bush manages the allocation of funds to ensure that essential programs receive adequate support for community operations. By analyzing fiscal data and forecasting future requirements, the Deputy Director maintains the economic health of the county government. This role involves collaborating with other administrative leaders to prioritize spending on high-impact initiatives that benefit the residents of the third most populated county in Georgia. Malissa Bush monitors expenditure reports to prevent waste and ensure transparency in all financial transactions. Through the application of rigorous auditing standards, the Deputy Director supports the long-term sustainability of government services. Bush drives the development of financial policies that align with the strategic objectives of the county seat of Decatur. This leadership function ensures that resources remain available for vital public projects.

    Henry Julietta - Deputy Director

    Henry Julietta, the Deputy Director at Dekalb County Government, oversees the human resources and personnel management functions for the entire county workforce. Julietta directs the recruitment, training, and retention strategies necessary to maintain a high-performing public sector team. By implementing standardized employment policies, the Deputy Director ensures that all departments operate with consistency and fairness. This role requires close coordination with the executive office to align staffing levels with the operational demands of the third most populated county in Georgia. Henry Julietta manages labor relations and employee development programs to foster a productive work environment. Through the optimization of internal processes, the Deputy Director improves the overall efficiency of the government organization. Julietta drives the adoption of modern workforce management tools that support the diverse needs of county employees. This position remains essential for building a capable and responsive team dedicated to serving the public interest.

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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 Maryuri Avila (Chief of Staff).
    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), Maryuri Avila (Chief of Staff) 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, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff, District 5.