Sherri L. Washington was elected to the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners in November 2016 and took office January 1, 2017. She earned her Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees from Savannah State University and then went on to obtain her Law Degree from Texas Southern University.

As an active participant in her community, Commissioner Washington has been involved with several organizations, including the Rockdale Rotary Club, the National Executive Committee of the National Council of Negro Women Rockdale-Newton Chapter, and the Stone Mountain-Lithonia Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She is also the founding member of the East Metro Orchids, parliamentarian for the Rockdale-Newton Section of the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women, and serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Angie’s House – a nonprofit organization that focuses on the children who are survivors of domestic violence.

Commissioner Washington has lived in Rockdale County for over 12 years and is the proud mother of one daughter, Jasmyne.

She is currently serving a four-year term as Commissioner Post 1 of Rockdale County, Georgia.

Chairman Osborn (Oz) Nesbitt, Sr. is a LEADER who is tangible, touchable, and approachable. He is someone Rockdale County’s citizens can count on and reach out to. He has served two four-year terms as Commissioner Post 1, and is currently serving a 2nd four-year term as Chairman of Rockdale County’s Board of Commissioners in Conyers, Georgia.

Chairman Oz, as he is affectionately known, demonstrates a strong disciplined leadership style as a result of his 15 years in Law Enforcement. He studied at Voorhees College and is a member of the uplift organization 100 Black Men of America. He is an award-winning speaker of Toastmasters International and the East Atlanta Networking Social. As a former Rockdale County Public School employee, Chairman Oz served as a discipline instructor and basketball coach focused upon instilling pride, educational commitment, and excellence as a springboard for all youth. Currently, Chairman Oz is the President/Chief Consultant with SPEAK UP! Communications, Inc. SPEAK UP! Communications is a local consulting firm that focuses primarily on training & career development and public speaking. Being in the ”people business” for 30+ years Chairman Oz Nesbitt strives to adhere to the following 3 core key principles of leading and - ATTITUDE, APPROACH and APPEARANCE.

As the Chairman of Rockdale County, Chairman Oz Nesbitt continually demonstrates his passion and commitment to the citizens and the greater Rockdale County community via open, transparent communications, dedicated community safety actions, focused economic and business development initiatives, and excellence while leading Rockdale County forward. Chairman Oz’s vision for Rockdale County include maintaining a safe and healthy community; creating job and career opportunities; building youth/family recreation to enhance each citizen’ quality of life; operating an efficient and ethical government; and exploring opportunities to boost economic and small business development.

Chairman Oz Nesbitt is an active member of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur where he also serves in various capacities and ministries. His statement of faith is “God is my ROCK!” Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. is a native of Augusta, Georgia, is married to Robernett Nesbitt and they have two girls and two boys to their union.

Dr. Doreen Williams was elected to the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners in November 2014 and took office on January 1, 2015. She is a former small business owner and retired educator with a diverse educational background. She earned her Doctor of Education from Georgia Southern University in curriculum studies with concentrations on the role and influence of effective governments. Her master’s degree from Walden University concentrated on the effective use of technology. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in French from Brigham Young University.

Commissioner Williams believes recognizing and caring for those who have fewer resources, or are more vulnerable, is an important part of ethical living. As such she has concentrated heavily on improving outcomes for those with mental and behavioral health challenges. Her work has included hosting numerous community symposiums and forums on behavioral health. She created a Stepping Up Initiative Steering Committee whose purpose is to improve services and resources community-wide so that those having a crisis can be diverted to treatment and not booked into jail for misdemeanor crimes. The committee is composed of judges, the sheriff and staff, the City of Conyers Police Chief and staff, mental health clinicians, representatives from the District Attorney and Public Defender’s offices, Emergency Management including 911, people with lived experience, and community members. She was instrumental in hiring effective staff to coordinate these efforts as well as oversee the development of a Restorative Justice Complex.

Commissioner Williams serves on the board of directors for View Point Health to which she was appointed by the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners in 2009. She also serves on the board of directors for Grit and Grace RCO, an addiction recovery organization.

Commissioner Williams moved to Rockdale County with her husband and their five children in July 1994. Their children have attended Honey Creek Elementary, Edwards Middle and Heritage High School. In addition to their five children and their spouses they now enjoy 13 vibrant grandchildren!

Robert F. Mumford has been a Superior Court Judge since 2013. He founded and presides over the Rockdale County Adult Drug Court Program which is an accountability court designed to provide drug treatment rather than incarceration for qualified persons.

Robert Mumford has previously served Rockdale County as an Assistant District Attorney, District Attorney and State Representative. His outstanding public service has been recognized by the Georgia Municiple Association and the Georgia Superior Court Clerks Authority. He has served as President of the Rockdale Bar and as Rockdale’s Representative to the State Bar Board of Governors. Judge Mumford  also served on the Nancy Guinn Library Board.

Judge Mumford is a member of Crossroads UMC and the Rockdale Historical Society. He is married to Bette Jo Mumford.

Location:
Rockdale County Courthouse
922 Court St.
Conyers, GA  30012
Office:  Room 225
Courtroom:   Room 225C
Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 289
Conyers, GA  30012
Telephone:   770-278-7690
Facsimile:    770-278-8927

Calendar Clerk:       Loquita Buckhault        770-278-7694
Bailiff:                         Brian McNeil              770-278-7692
Law Clerk:                  Sharon McGuire        770-278-7697
Protective Orders:  Adrienne Cooper          770-278-7696

Judge Bills began her public service career as an Assistant District Attorney for the Rockdale Judicial Circuit after graduating from the University of Georgia Law School in 1989. She served in this Office for over 10 years with the last 3 as the Chief Assistant District Attorney.  It was during this tenure that she began her community service as a founding member of the local domestic violence shelter, a volunteer for the Truancy Intervention Program, and the Chair of the United Way Advisory Board.

Upon leaving the District Attorney’s Office, she went into private practice with the law firm of Walker & Waldrop serving clients on a broad spectrum of civil and criminal cases.  In 2004, her desire to return to public service, lead her to run for the position of State Court Judge; she was elected and took the bench in January, 2005.  Throughout her tenure, she has built a reputation for courtroom management, for utilizing her Court to set precedents and completing tasks for the good of the community.

Some of her accomplishments since taking the bench include: starting a DUI Court in 2007, which seeks to break the cycle of addiction and the crimes that accompany it through a combination of treatment, accountability, and intense court supervision.  Judge Bills also serves as Chair of the Rockdale County Family Violence Task Force Against Family Violence.  Since 2006, the task force has been active in the community winning The Georgia Commission on Family Violence’s Task Force of the Year in 2008 and Judge Bills was named Georgia’s Task Force Member of the Year in 2011.  This focus on family violence provided the basis of her starting a Family Violence Court in 2013.  The success of this court was recognized by the Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice in his address to the 2014 General Assembly.

Judge Bills’ has also served as the President of the Rockdale Rotary Club in 2007 and her work was recognized with the Robert Stubbs II “Guardian of Ethics” Award for the Rotary International District in 2012.  Likewise the State Bar of Georgia honored her in 2010 with the prestigious Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service. The Judge was re-elected by the citizens of Rockdale County in 2008, 2012 and 2016.  She is currently the President-Elect of the State Court Judges Council.

Judge Bills lives in Conyers with her of husband of 27 years, Jeff, and they have a  23 year old daughter, Mary Dabney, who is finishing a dual Masters Degree at UGA in Social Work and Public Health.  She also serves in the Celebrate Recovery ministry at Crosspoint Christian Church.

Location:
Rockdale County Courthouse
922 Court St.
Conyers, GA  30012
Office: Room 105
Courtroom: Room 115
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mailing Address:
922 Court St., Room 105
Conyers, GA  30012
Telephone: 770-278-7741

Judicial Assistant: Tammy Myers, 770-278-7741
Law Clerk: Rachel Abdan, 770-278-7693
Bailiff: Paula Shannon, 770-278-7743

Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. was appointed as the State Court Judge of Rockdale County by Governor Brian Kemp on February 1, 2021. Prior to serving as Chief State Court Judge, Judge Cuthpert was elected as Probate Judge in 2016, and re-elected in 2020. As a practicing attorney for 20 years, Judge Cuthpert practiced law throughout the State of Georgia prior to serving in the judiciary.

Judge Cuthpert received his Bachelor of Science degree from Savannah State University, Master of Public Administration degree from Georgia Southern University, and Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University. He is admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit; U.S. District Court for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts, Georgia; Supreme Court of Georgia, Georgia Court of Appeals; Superior and State Courts of Georgia; and is a registered Mediator and Arbitrator through the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution.

In April 2020, Judge Cuthpert was appointed by the Supreme Court of Georgia to the Commission on Dispute Resolution as the first ever probate judge to serve on the Commission. In March 2018, Judge Cuthpert was appointed as the representative for the Probate Courts on the Judicial Council’s Standing Committee on Access to Justice. The Committee is Chaired by Georgia Supreme Court Justice Charles J. Bethel. Committee members include representatives from the Court of Appeals of the State of Georgia, Superior, State, Magistrate and Probate Courts, and several legal organizations. The Committee’s mission is to improve the public’s trust in the judicial branch by promoting meaningful and effective access to courts and fairness for all. Judge Cuthpert is also a member of the Council of State Court Judges of Georgia, American Bar Association, Rockdale Bar Association, Gate City Bar Association and NewRock Legal Society.

The State Court handles misdemeanor criminal offenses, traffic violations, and civil matters. The DUI Court is also under the jurisdiction of the State Court.

Office Location:
Rockdale County Courthouse
922 Court St.
Conyers, GA 30012

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Telephone: 770-278-7720
Fax: 770-278-8950
DUI Court Coordinator: Shawonna Gaither, 770-278-7736
Pretrial Services Coordinator: Angela Bentley, 770-278-7967

Judge Phinia Aten is the Chief Judge of the Magistrate Court of Rockdale County.  When she was elected to this position in 2012, Judge Aten brought a distinguished track record as a trial attorney and invested community stakeholder with her.  She has served as an adjunct college professor, bar association president and executive board member of several professional and civic organizations, who spearheaded important legal education and training initiatives for lawyers and non-lawyers.  In addition, Judge Aten has traveled the globe as a guest speaker and lecturer on litigation techniques and substantive legal matters.

Judge Aten is the recipient of numerous honors, including Outstanding Citizen Recognition by the Georgia Secretary of State, 2012 Top Lawyer Recognition by On Common Ground Newspaper, the 2011 Outstanding Community Service Award from the Conyers Art Conservatory and C.J. Hicks Elementary School World Class Support Recognition, among others. 

Judge Aten earned her law degree and a certificate of sports law from Tulane University in New Orleans and a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Wayne State University in Detroit.  She was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in 1998, and primarily handled criminal and civil litigation matters for 14 years as a private trial attorney.  Her professional and academic affiliations have included the Council of Magistrate Court Judges, Georgia Next Generation Courts Commission, Rockdale Bar Association, NewRock Legal Society, Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, Gate City Bar Association, Lawyers Club of Atlanta, Atlanta Bar Association, American Bar Association, National Bar Association and Golden Key National Honors Society.

Judge Gary Washington is the Probate Court Judge for Rockdale County. Previously he served as an associate judge in the same Court. Washington is licensed to practice in Georgia and South Carolina and has more than thirty years of legal experience, including practicing at all levels of courts in Georgia.

Judge Washington graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, and Rutgers University School of Law in Newark, New Jersey, where he served as one of the first two African American editors for the Rutgers Law Review.

After law school, Washington began his legal career as a judicial law clerk for his mentor and renowned civil rights attorney, the late Matthew J. Perry, Jr., Federal District Court Judge in South Carolina. Later, Washington worked as a staff attorney for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Richmond, Virginia. Washington also served as an attorney for the Georgia Appellate Resources Center and as a senior attorney for the Fulton County Public Defender’s Office.

Judge Washington has been passionate and enjoyed spending an inordinate amount of time teaching in the areas of the law. He is a past instructor at the National Criminal Defense College, Mercer Law School in Macon, Georgia, and he has lectured for the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Washington has conducted numerous “Know Your Rights” workshops in Rockdale County and throughout the nation on topics such as “Act Like a Citizen. Think Like a Cop” and “Youth and The Law: What Young People Don’t Know That Can Land Them in Jail.”

Judge Washington is a member of the Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia and the immediate past chair of the Board of Trustees for the Conyers-Rockdale Library System. He is also a member of the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office Merit Board, the Rockdale County Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, NewRock Legal Society, the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Judge Washington and his wife, Evetta, have been married for 27 years and they have an adult daughter.  The Washingtons are members of Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church and the Rockdale County branch of the NAACP.

Judge Washington’s legal career has been dedicated to making the law a better tool of justice.

Judge Richard Read was appointed and sworn-in by Governor Brian Kemp on January 18, 2022, Richard Read serves as associate State Court Judge in the Rockdale Judicial Circuit.  Judge Read ran unopposed for election to the position in May 2022 and will begin his first full term as State Court Judge on January 1, 2023.

Judge Read grew up in southeast Fulton County, and later, Gwinnett County.  Judge Read received a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Georgia in 1984, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1987. After law school, Judge Read served as an assistant solicitor and assistant district attorney in DeKalb County Georgia.  As an assistant district attorney in DeKalb, Judge Read specialized in the prosecution of those who commit crimes against children.

In the summer of 1992, Judge Read began work as the Chief Assistant District Attorney in the Rockdale County District Attorney’s Office.  In 1999, Judge Read was elected District Attorney of the Rockdale Judicial Circuit.  Judge Read was elected by the people of Rockdale County as District Attorney five times and served in that capacity for 19 years.

Judge Read is married to the former Theresa Brown.  Theresa Read is an attorney specializing in personal injury law.  They have raised three children who attended and graduated from the Rockdale County school system.

Judge Read is a past president of the board of directors for Project Renewal, the past chairman of the Rockdale County Child Abuse Protocol and Child Fatality Review Committees, and coached baseball at the Rockdale Youth Baseball Association and at Salem High School for many years.

Judge Read and Mrs. Read have lived in Rockdale County for almost 30 years.

The Coroner is elected to serve a four-year term. The Coroner is George Levett.

The Office of the Coroner is charged with investigating deaths within Rockdale County if they fall within one of the following four categories:
1) Homicides
2) Suicides
3) Accidents, or
4) Unknown causes.

Once the cause of death is determined, the Coroner’s Office completes a death certificate and forwards the certificate to the Probate Court. Copies of death certificates may be obtained at Probate Court. The Coroner or a Deputy Coroner is available at all times, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for death investigation duty.

“Lest we ever forget, there is always more work to be done.”

Throughout history, countless innocent citizens have been victimized by the criminal element with little recognition of their individual rights or need for special assistance. Simultaneously, the criminal justice system has often been criticized for giving the appearance of protecting the rights of the accused at the expense of these victims. In response, efforts aimed at providing direct services to innocent victims and witnesses of crime have become increasingly prevalent.

The Rockdale County District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Program was originally established in 1986, and today, provides support, encouragement and valuable information to assist crime victims, witnesses and their families in an effort to minimize the frustration, anxiety and fear often associated with the judicial process. We understand that victims and witnesses look to the criminal justice system for vindication and justice.

To us, you are not just another statistic, but the very reason for which we exist. We feel that is important for all victims and witnesses to have a basic understanding of the criminal justice system and their important rights and roles in this process. No criminal can be successfully prosecuted without your invaluable assistance and help. It is only through your participation and cooperation that Rockdale County will become a safer place for all of us. I encourage you to contact our Victim-Witness Program with any questions, concerns or need for assistance that you may have. Our job is to assist you. Please call us at 770-278-7990.

The function of the District Attorney’s Office is to represent the State and Rockdale County in the prosecution of criminal cases.

The District Attorney is elected to serve a four-year term. The District Attorney is Alisha Johnson.

Click here for more on Clerk of Courts Janice Morris

Sheriff Eric J. Levett is the elected Sheriff of Rockdale County. Before assuming his current role, He served as a supervisor assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division of the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO). Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Carol W. Hunstein swore in Levett, and he assumed office on January 1, 2013.

Sheriff Levett’s career began at 14 when his passion for law enforcement blossomed, and he became a Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Explorer Program member. He served as a volunteer Explorer from 1988 to 1992. In 1991, Sheriff Levett began working part-time in the Sheriff’s Office 9-1-1 Communications Center. In 1992, after graduating from Rockdale County High School, he was hired as a full-time dispatcher. Levett became a certified detention deputy in the Rockdale County Jail in 1993 and a deputy sheriff in 1994. In Levett’s climb up the ladder to elected sheriff, he has held supervisory positions as a Corporal and Sergeant, as well as served in a variety of roles throughout his law enforcement career, including as a Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) deputy, a School Resource Officer (SRO), a criminal investigator, and a certified Georgia peace officer.

Levett is a Columbus State University Professional Management program graduate and is pursuing a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Thomas University. Sheriff Levett is a member of the Georgia Sheriff’s Association, Sons of the American Legion, Rotary Club of Conyers, Leadership Rockdale Class of 2014, Leadership Rockdale Planning Committee, Atlanta Metropol, the Rockdale County Superintendent’s Advisory Council, Rockdale Career Academy Board of Directors, Constitutional Officers of Georgia, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (CHAMPS) Advisory Committee, and the National Sheriff’s Association. Levett is also a board member and mentor with the Boys and Girls Club, serves on the Board of Directors for the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families is the Vice-Chairman for the Georgia Piedmont Technical College Law Enforcement Advisory Board.

When running for his third term in 2020, Sheriff Levett was determined to increase community outreach and set a goal to establish the SMART (Safety and Mental Health Alternative Responses Training) initiative in Rockdale County to ensure all deputies, police, and other first responders receive the best training offered for the betterment of the community.

Tisa Smart-Washington was elected Rockdale County Tax Commissioner in 2016 after being appointed Chief Deputy Tax Commissioner in Rockdale in 2013. Prior to joining the Tax Commissioner’s Office, Tisa served as Communication Writer in the Office of the CEO of DeKalb County and Editor of the Rockdale News.

A graduate of Leadership Rockdale and Regional Leadership Institute, she has been a member of several organizations in Rockdale, including Rotary Club of Conyers, Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful, Rockdale Young Professional Leaders, Angie’s House, Rockdale NAACP, The Nonprofit Consortium, Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent’s Advisory Council, Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council, NCNW, the Rockdale County Democratic Party, Top Ladies of Distinction and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Tisa earned a B.A. in Communications from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA; an MBA from Troy University in Troy, AL; and an MPA from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA.

M. Qader A. Baig serves as the County Attorney for Rockdale County where he provides general counsel on all legal matters and prosecutes all ordinance violations. As a function of his duties, he routinely drafts and analyzes ordinances, resolutions, contracts and policies and provides legal assistance for zoning, planning, tax appeals, and employment issues. Baig is the managing partner of M. Qader A. Baig & Associates, LLC in Conyers.

In 1993, after earning his Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law, Baig first came to Rockdale County to work in the field of real property as a title abstractor for a local company.  Soon after, Baig was hired by Rockdale County as an Assistant District Attorney to handle a variety of matters in Rockdale County’s Juvenile, Magistrate, State and Superior courts.  In addition, he argued successfully before the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Georgia on behalf of the citizens of Rockdale County.

After serving in the Rockdale County District Attorney’s Office, Baig spent four years with DeKalb County government where he rose to the position of Solicitor General, Pro Tempore.  As chief operating officer, he was responsible for an office with 80 to 100 employees and an almost $4 million budget, in a system of courts divided into seven distinct divisions.  Additionally, his responsibilities included handling employment law matters, appeals, media/public information, open records requests, case transfers, mental health court and bond issues.

In 2004, Baig returned to Rockdale County to found and manage his law firm, M. Qader A. Baig & Associates, LLC. His renovated office, located in Olde Town Conyers at 913 Commercial Street in the historic Almand Building, truly serves as a tribute to historic preservation.  Further, it symbolizes his respect for advancement towards the future with respect for the past.  Baig has always shared the belief it is important to move forward while learning from the past, instead of ignoring it.  A block away from the Rockdale County courthouse and County administrative offices, his law firm is ideally situated to handle local matters.

For more information on M. Qader A. Baig & Associates, please visit their website.

Will Barkley is the Executive Chief Appraiser of the Board of Assessors for Rockdale County. He oversees all managerial, administrative, technical work planning, organizing and directing the activities of the Board of Assessors, which entails the responsibility for the appraisal of real and personal property for taxation purposes. He is also accountable for gathering and preparing digest information for submission to the State of Georgia Department of Revenue.

Prior to serving as the County’s Director/Chief Appraiser of the Board of Assessors, Mr. Barkley was the Assistant Deputy Chief Appraiser where he was responsible for the valuation of all commercial, personal and exempt properties throughout Rockdale County. He has also spent time in the Finance Department as an Accounting Officer.

Mr. Barkley earned a Bachelor’s degree of Business Administration from Georgia State University, and he holds a professional designation as an Appraiser IV from the Georgia Department of Revenue. He is also a long-time member of the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) and Georgia Association of Assessing Officials (GAAO).  In his spare time, Mr. Barkley enjoys traveling with the family and playing golf.

Toni Holmes serves as the Executive Director for the Department of Talent Management for Rockdale County, where she works with County Leadership to provide each employee of Rockdale County with the resources necessary to achieve their fullest potential.  She is also an Adjunct Professor for the Business Management Program at Southern Crescent Technical College, where she teaches courses in Human Resource Management, Business Ethics, and Employment Rules & Regulations.  Executive Director Holmes believes that communication and mentorship are the true keys to success and attributes her diverse background and business expertise to her rewarding role in the areas of Human Resources and Business Management.

In her previous roles with GTM, Inc., Carter Brothers Security Services, LLC, D&N Electric Company, and Iron Mountain, she served in the capacity of HR Director as well as HR Business Partner.  Executive Director Holmes was responsible for overseeing personnel as well as organizational safety, benefits, and risk management programs.  She had direct responsibility for developing, implementing, and coordinating policies, wage and salary administration, employee relations, health benefits, and other employee services.

Executive Director Holmes serves as the Chair of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Workforce Network Advisory Council.  She serves on the Hospital Authority for Piedmont Henry Hospital.  She is also currently serving as a Board of Trustees member for Georgia Piedmont Technical College, where she serves as the Chair of the Fundraising Committee.  She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and a member of the National Society for Human Resource Management as well as the Georgia Local Personnel Association.

In addition to her service Executive Director Holmes is honored to have been recognized by the African American Heritage Celebration as the Community Service Award recipient for Youth Empowerment as well as the recipient of the Unsung Hero Award for her commitment to the City of Stockbridge.  Executive Director Holmes received recognition as the recipient of outstanding community service and excellency in education from the Henry County Branch of the NAACP.  She has also been recognized by the Clayton County Board of Education for her outstanding service as a Work-Based Learning Success Seminar Presenter.  Executive Director Toni  Holmes was awarded the Branch Spirit Award at the 12th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet for the Henry County Branch of the NAACP.  She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management as well as a Master of Science in Administration.

Executive Director Homes shares her life with her husband, Bruce Holmes, and her beautiful daughter, Paige Davis. When she is not dedicating her time to her career, Executive Director Holmes can be found volunteering, watching movies, dancing, and simply enjoying life.

Jennifer O. Rutledge is the Director of Legislative Affairs/County Clerk and has been a part of Rockdale County government since 1997.  She serves to advise the Board of Commissioners on policy matters and works in collaboration with the Chief of Staff and the County Attorney’s Office. She also serves as the liaison to the Rockdale County federal and state delegation as well as the County lobbying entities, such as NACo, ACCG and other lobbyist firms.

Director Rutledge serves as the Records Manager for the County as well as official custodian of records for the Board of Commissioners. She carries out these duties as described in the Georgia Open Records Act. Ms. Rutledge is responsible for preparing and distributing the Board of Commissioners agendas and calendar; various research projects, codification of the Code of Rockdale County, Georgia; maintaining the volunteer boards and supervising office personnel.

Ms. Rutledge studied Political Science at Georgia State University. She has continued her education in public administration and local government through the Carl Vinson Institute division of the University of Georgia in conjunction with Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG), Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and Georgia Records Association (GRA), earning Certified County Clerk, Certified Records Manager and Certified County Official.

She is an active member of the Georgia County Clerks Association, The Georgia Records Association, a past Board member of the Rockdale County Historical Society and an ARC 2015 Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta (ALMA) alumni. She is passionate about arts and culture, and spends her free time in numerous volunteer capacities in support of the arts.

Director Michelle Irizarry comes to us with over 20 years of progressive local government management experience.  She has demonstrated subject matter expertise in multiple areas, including strategic planning, goal setting, resource allocation, federal grant application, and administration, as well as organizational change and development.  Most recently, she served in the capacity of County Administrator for Meriwether County and has a long history of leadership experience serving in Spalding County, The City of Statham, Georgia, Northeast Georgia Regional Commission, and Gwinnett County.  Director Irizarry has a Bachelor of Science degree in Management.  She is a CVIOG-certified Local Government Finance Officer, Level I & II.  She has completed the Certified County Official designation through the ACCG Leadership Institute.  Director Irizarry is a proud member of the International City/County Management Association as well as the Georgia Government Finance Association.

Margaret Moore-Jackson was appointed to serve as the Director of Technology Services in October 2020. In this role, she oversees the overall administration, coordination, and functions of the department. Prior to serving Rockdale County, she retired from the federal sector with over 17 years of supervisory/managerial/executive experience and 30 years of government service.

Margaret began her federal career in 1991 as a Program Analyst with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Over the next three decades, she earned numerous promotions and awards and served in positions ranging from Special Agent to National Executive Officer for the Office of the Inspector General. She retired as the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations. During her tenure, she managed the following information and technology teams: Electronic Crimes Team, Data Analysis Team, and the Computer Research and Inquiries Team.

Margaret Moore-Jackson is a native of Mobile, AL. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Tuskegee University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Columbus State University. She is a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College and the Senior Executive Fellows Program at Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.

She serves her community in various capacities including being involved with the following organizations: NOBLE-National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Atlanta MetroPol, EMBOR-East Metro Board of Realtors and the Covington Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She and her family are long-time members of Fairfield Baptist Church.

Having lived and worked in Mobile, Alabama; the Baltimore-Washington; D.C area; Torance, California; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Margaret is now a long-time resident of Rockdale County, where she lives with her husband, Keith Jackson, and their daughter.

Brian A. Kelley is the Director of Transportation for Rockdale County. As the Director of Transportation, Director Kelley works with engineers and construction contractors to bring major infrastructure improvements to life by implementing best management practices regarding operations, planning, administration, financial stewardship, and intergovernmental relations. Director Kelley believes that all infrastructure projects have unforeseen challenges, but these hurdles can be cleared with proper planning and anticipation.

In Director Kelley’s previous roles, he served as a Senior Project Manager Consultant with MARTA and as Construction Manager with CSX Transportation. Director Kelley’s professional career includes managing road, highway, and heavy civil transportation projects that have involved subsurface utility engineering, rail, intelligent transportation systems, SCADA systems, bridge structures, and environmental compliance. Currently, Director Kelley is working toward his Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) designation.

Director Kelley is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Transportation with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Engineering from Tennessee State University.

Director Kelley shares his life with his high school sweetheart Alicia and their two daughters. When he is not spending time or traveling with his family, Director Kelley can be found powerlifting, golfing, enjoying live music, and perfecting his culinary skills in his spare time.

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Marian McDaniel began her professional fire service career with the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (1998) where during her tenure she held the following positions: Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Lieutenant – Office of Professional Standards, Captain – Public Information Officer, Captain Emergency Medical Service, Section Chief – Office of Professional Standards, and Assistant Chief Emergency Medical Services. After her retirement from the Atlanta Fire Rescue (September 2017), Marian joined Rockdale County Fire Rescue as the Deputy Fire Chief of Administration (October 2017). As Deputy Fire Chief, Marian was instrumental in the recruitment of more African American men and women into the Fire Service and expanding the diversity of Rockdale County Fire Rescue personnel. Marian was also instrumental in the management of the department’s budget, in addition to the development and implementation of the department’s budget reduction strategies.

On December 8, 2020, she was appointed Fire Chief, making her the 12th African American Female Fire Chief in the United States and not only the First African American but also the First Woman Fire Chief in the history of Rockdale County Fire Rescue.

Her educational experiences consist of a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University (2010) and Master of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology also from Grand Canyon University (2012). Marian is also a National and State certified Paramedic. Marian is seeking her designation as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) via the National Fire Academy, Emmitsburg, MD. The Chief Fire Officer designation (CFO) is an initiative of the United States Fire Administration/National Fire Academy designed to provide senior officers and others in key leadership roles with enhanced executive-level knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to lead, conduct research, and engage in lifelong learning.

Marian is excited to serve as the Fire Chief of Rockdale County Fire Rescue and is looking forward to engaging the citizens and communities of Rockdale County by attending community events, town hall meetings, and any other opportunities that may arise.

Melisa Mims is the Director of Public Relations for Rockdale County. As the Director, Ms. Mims serves as county spokesperson to the media; she reviews all printed communication materials and assists Chairman and CEO with outlining and communicating county goals and priorities to the public. She also plans, organizes, and directs the activities of the Public Relations Department.

Ms. Mims joins the Rockdale County government with more than twenty years of community outreach, sales, and marketing experience. She also brings her expertise in strategic planning and management into her role.

Before serving as the Director, Ms. Mims was the Community Relations Manager. In this position, she managed strong relationships between industries, community stakeholders, and the Rockdale County government.

As an active citizen of Rockdale, Ms. Mims believes in building a prosperous and sustainable community through service as a parliamentarian for the Rockdale PTA Council, the President of Heritage High School, and a member of the Superintendent Advisory Board. She has also previously served as a Rockdale County SPLOST member on the Parks and Recreation Committee.

She is an active member of the Covington Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and a Leadership Rockdale and Regional Leadership Institute graduate. Ms. Mims is a proud East Atlanta Suburban Chapter of Savannah State University National Alumni Association member.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Savannah State University and her Master of Arts in Psychology with a specialty in Organizational Development from The University of the Colorado Rockies.

Dan Morgan is an Emergency Management Director who works with stakeholders in Rockdale County to train, plan, mitigation and recover from disasters by engaging in all levels of preparedness. Director Morgan believes that a resilient community depends on all facets of that community to be aware of and prepared for disasters. He has served as the EMA Director since 2013.

In his previous role with Rockdale County Government, he worked in the Rockdale County Fire Department for 20 years as a firefighter and working his way through the ranks until serving as Fire Chief from 2012 to 2020. Director Morgan as Fire Chief reduced the county ISO rating from a 4/9 to a 3/3x, updated the apparatus fleet and rebuilt two fire stations.

Director Morgan has continued to expand his knowledge in public safety and emergency management practices throughout his career. Currently he remains dedicated to increasing his knowledge in the areas of Animal Services and 911 Communications as those divisions also fall under the EMA umbrella in Rockdale County.

Director Morgan is holds certifications as an Advanced Certified Emergency Manager in the State of Georgia, a Certified Chief Officer from the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs, the Commission on Professional Credentialing for Public Safety Excellence designated Chief Morgan as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO), and he holds numerous National Professional Qualifications including Fire Officer IV.

He is a member of the Emergency Managers Association of Georgia, the National Emergency Number Association, the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs, and serves on the Board of the GA State Firefighters Association.

Director Morgan earned an associate degree in Fire Management from Perimeter College, a bachelor’s degree in business from Georgia State University and a master’s degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership from Grand Canyon University.

Director Morgan shares his life with wife, Amy, and two adult children and two grandchildren. The Morgan family lived in Rockdale County in the mid-1990s. When he is not leading the EMA department, Director Morgan enjoys working in his yard, woodworking, and fixing items for friends and family.

Kimbry Peek Sr. is the Director of Rockdale Water Resources. In this role, he provides management oversight for the day-to-day operations of the water and wastewater treatment plants, water distribution and wastewater collection field operations, engineering and technical services operations, and Rockdale Water customer care and business affairs. Director Peek is responsible for monitoring overall staff activities to ensure that adequate, safe and efficient water treatment and supply are sustained. He believes through commitment, active communication, and an all-hands-on approach, a quality service experience can be provided to internal and external customers.

Director Peek has 29 years of experience in municipal government in the areas of construction and operations management, capital improvement, watershed management and public works. He has extensive experience with the City of Atlanta, most recently serving in the Watershed Management Department as the Watershed Director II for the Office of Linear Infrastructure. He also worked in Public Works/Wastewater for the City of Atlanta as well as Public Works for the City of College Park Highways and Streets Division.

Director Peek has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Operations management and several certifications and licenses specifically from the Georgia Board of Water & Wastewater Treatment as a Wastewater Collection System Operator and Water Distribution System Operator. He also has licensing with the National Association of Sewer Service and the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation. He is an active member of the Water Environmental Federation and Georgia Association of Water Professionals, and a military veteran.

Director Peek is a native of Georgia and shares his life with his wife Nicole Weems Peek and their three children. When he is not working, he enjoys traveling and outdoor activities with family and friends.

Jason Redmond is the Director of Parks and Recreation in Rockdale County.  He is responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing the functions and activities of the Parks and Recreation Department.

Prior to joining Rockdale County, Mr. Redmond worked as a Recreation Program Supervisor for the City of Atlanta.  There he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of 10 of the city’s 30 recreational facilities.  Jason is a former School Teacher, Football and Basketball Coach.  Jason is a current member of the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) and a member of National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA).  He is a Certified Public Manager through the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute as well as a Leadership Rockdale graduate; class of 2019.

Jason received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Georgia Southwestern State University and his Master of Education from Troy University.  Jason has been a Rockdale County Resident since 2014 and is a native of Savannah Georgia.  He enjoys spending time with his family, working out, coaching, and playing basketball.

Terrence Simpkins is the Director of Stormwater Management. He directs and provides oversight of the department by establishing policies, procedures and methods for the operation and maintenance of drainage infrastructure systems and directs and manages the work of the department's employees. He also provides oversight of planning, coordinating, implementing, and monitoring and evaluation duties for permit compliance and retention for the implementation and annual reporting for the Phase II MS4 Stormwater Program and any requirements for the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (District) plan related to stormwater and watershed planning.

Director Simpkins believes that through creative thinking, good customer service, and process efficiency, the Rockdale County Stormwater Department will be one of the best in the State of Georgia.

In his previous role with DeKalb County Government, he worked as a Staff Engineer Senior and Project Manager. Director Simpkins performed professional civil engineering tasks in support of capital projects, plan review, infrastructure construction and maintenance projects, with an emphasis on formulating conceptual designs and resolving engineering problems.

Director Simpkins has 25 plus years of experience in stormwater and sewer infrastructure, project management, floodplain management, environmental engineering, and compliance monitoring.

Director Simpkins earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering Technology from South Carolina State University in 1993 and has worked in multiple areas of State and Local Government.

When he is not providing oversight of the Stormwater Management Department or meeting with Rockdale County citizens, Director Simpkins enjoys flying aircraft, golfing, music production, and spending time with his family.

Cynthia Willingham was appointed to serve as Supervisor of the Rockdale County Board of Elections & Voter Registration Office in May 2006.

As Supervisor of Elections, she is responsible for administering all elections pertaining to Federal, State, and County Elections held in Rockdale County. In addition, Mrs. Willingham is responsible for the conduct of voter registration, maintaining an updated voter list, providing absentee and early voting, qualifying candidates and receiving campaign finance reports. Other duties and responsibilities include maintaining election equipment and voting precincts, hiring and training of poll workers, and providing information and statistics on voter registration and elections. She has more than 20 years of Elections and Voter Registration experience and has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

Mrs. Willingham lives in Ellenwood, GA with her husband. Together, they have two daughters and three grandchildren.

Ms. Juliana Njoku has more than 25 years of comprehensive experience in city planning, project management, strategic planning, and economic development, among other skills.

She's previously worked with Sapphire Global Solutions, Atlanta Housing, and the City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works.