DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has recently appointed Tonza Clark as the new Director of Code Compliance and Enforcement, a decision that’s garnered attention for the area's proactive stance on maintaining community standards. Clark has garnered over 18 years of service within the DeKalb County Government, including time spent as Code Compliance Administrator where she played a significant role in legislative development, such as the creation of property registries to tackle vacant and foreclosure issues, as per a DeKalb County news release.
Clark's responsibilities will now extend to lead countywide initiatives to enforce property maintenance, and, according to Cochran-Johnson, to "improve the health, safety and well-being of all our citizens." “Tonza Clark brings a wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of community needs,” Cochran-Johnson stated on DeKalb County, indicating her belief that Clark can successfully apply a strategic approach to continue to move DeKalb forward. Clark’s recognition extends beyond local circles, as she has provided training at state and national levels aimed to effectively address community challenges.
A dedicated DeKalb County resident for 37 years, Clark's local ties are deep, with roots extending back to her high school years at Redan and into her higher education at Georgia Southern University. Her professional qualifications include the Certified Public Manager credential from the University of Georgia, as well as completion of both the DeKalb County Bright Futures Emerging Executive Leadership Development Program and the Master Code Enforcement Officer Certifications, reinforcing her preparedness for her new role.
Outside of her professional life, Clark holds a long-time commitment to public service, particularly as a 29-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She brings this same commitment to her work, where she has dedicated efforts to promote voter education and civic engagement, most notably having served as Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs for DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections. Her advocacy isn’t confined to her work, as she is also a dedicated volunteer for Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Troop 18575 and a passionate advocate for children with disabilities, helping to empower parents to become effective advocates in the educational system.
