Big shoes to fill in Atlanta as City Attorney Nina R. Hickson steps down. After more than two decades of serving the city in various capacities, Hickson is set to retire on May 8, 2024, to begin a new chapter in Maryland, a move that positions her to be closer to family. Hickson, a name synonymous with public service in the region, leaves behind a legacy marked by advocacy, ethical governance, and legal prowess.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens lauded Hickson's contributions, citing her unwavering "integrity and character". “Nina Hickson has served the people of Atlanta with the utmost integrity and character,” Dickens said. The outgoing city attorney equally expressed her pride in having to serve the citizens of Atlanta and voiced optimism in the Law Department's capability to continue pushing the city forward.
Hickson’s distinguished career features a series of high-profile roles including Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, General Counsel for the Atlanta Housing Authority, and Vice President and General Counsel for the Atlanta BeltLine. Her dedication to the city earned her the 2018 Georgia First Amendment Foundation’s Weltner Freedom of Information Award for transparency reforms.
Earlier this year, her fight against human trafficking was recognized when Georgia Governor Brian Kemp appointed her to the GRACE Commission. In 2023, she was celebrated with the Wellspring HOPE Award for her contributions to the cause. Hickson's service has not gone unnoticed, with accolades such as the Big Voice for Children Award and the Delta Torch Award among others, paying tribute to her impact.
The search for an interim City Attorney is underway, with Mayor Dickens expected to make an announcement soon. The City of Atlanta now looks to fill the void left by Hickson, a city attorney who has undoubtedly set a high bar for ethical leadership and civic engagement.
