By Milton Kirby | April 14, 2025 | Decatur, GA

DeKalb County, Georgia CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is redefining leadership with a high-visibility, hands-on approach that’s making a lasting impact on how residents live, work, and play. Since taking office, she’s been deeply engaged with the community, championing transparency, responsible governance, and innovation across every level of county operations.

A Leader in the Community

Whether moderating transformative conversations with civil rights icons or issuing critical policy decisions from her office, Cochran-Johnson has kept her “boots on the ground”—a phrase that now symbolizes her leadership style. Most recently, she led a thought-provoking fireside chat at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, joined by civil rights legend Xernona Clayton, former Governor Roy Barnes, and Dr. Bernice A. King.

The event, Trailblazers & Changemakers, explored legacy and moral leadership, giving residents insight into how truth, reconciliation, and civic responsibility must remain guiding principles. Cochran-Johnson used the platform to spotlight key voices and reaffirm her belief that lasting change comes from community collaboration—not just political power.

Transforming Public Safety

Among her top priorities has been making DeKalb County safer and smarter in the fight against crime. Under her administration, DeKalb celebrated the graduation of its first police academy class with renewed support. A $10 million investment increased officer salaries and benefits, significantly boosting recruitment and retention.

Her administration is preparing to launch the county’s first Real-Time Crime Center, designed to harness live surveillance footage, data analytics, and drone technology to reduce response times and deter crime.

“This is about leveraging technology to prevent and deter crime and quickly apprehend perpetrators,” Cochran-Johnson said. “The Real-Time Crime Center will be a game-changer for DeKalb County.”

Fiscal Discipline for the Future

In early April, Cochran-Johnson signed an Executive Order to pause new spending and hiring to safeguard against federal funding uncertainty. With DeKalb County relying on approximately $346 million in federal funds for critical services like senior care, homelessness response, and workforce development, the move signals a commitment to fiscal stewardship.

“This action is about being fiscally responsible and ensuring DeKalb County is in the best position possible should any portion of our federal or state funding be reduced or eliminated,” she explained. “We are not eliminating jobs or cutting services. We are planning to preserve them.”

The Executive Order also encourages departments to identify cost-saving strategies and reconsider funding for non-core events and initiatives, demonstrating proactive leadership in the face of possible budget constraints.

Investing in Employees and Residents

Cochran-Johnson has not overlooked the human element of governance. In a recent message to all county staff, she expressed heartfelt thanks:

“Your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our community do not go unnoticed,” she said. “You make a difference in the lives of our residents, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.”

From sanitation workers and engineers to public health nurses and community planners, her message uplifted the workforce that forms the backbone of county operations.

Community Engagement and Public Participation

Beyond the halls of government, Cochran-Johnson has pushed for more inclusive community planning processes. A prime example is the Stone Mountain Trail Master Plan. The plan focuses on the trail segment between Avondale Estates and Stone Mountain Park, exploring how to optimize the area for both residents and visitors, this initiative invites residents to shape the development of one of the county’s most vital corridors.

Surveys and community events aim to ensure the plan reflects the needs of local users, not just developers or transit planners. Supported by the Atlanta Regional Commission, the project is a testament to the CEO’s belief that progress should always include public input.

A Vision for a Brighter DeKalb

From modernizing policing and tightening financial controls to expanding community voices and celebrating legacy leaders, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has positioned herself as a transformative force in DeKalb County.

Her high visibility—on the streets, at public forums, and within the chambers of government—has kept constituents informed and inspired. CEO Cochran Johnson, on a daily basis, is becoming a living, breathing example of the phrase often attributed to Govindh Jayarman: ” Real leadership starts with presence and purpose.” Her boots are on the ground and kicking up a lot dust.

With each initiative, policy, and outreach, Cochran-Johnson and her team are helping build a safer, smarter, and more inclusive DeKalb—a place residents can be proud to call home.

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