In a recent announcement, DeKalb County bid farewell to two long-standing department heads, Ms. Benita Coakley Ransom who served as Director of Human Resources, and Mr. Richard "Rick" Lemke, the Director of Public Works. The county praises their dedication and the significant imprint they've left on both their departments and the wider community.
With almost 15 years behind her, Ms. Ransom has been celebrated for transforming DeKalb County's HR operations into a model of comprehensive service. Despite serving countless employees, she's maintained a focus on equity and innovation, as reported by DeKalb County News. Her tenure is marked by a deep-seated belief in public service's transformative power—a philosophy that has evidently resonated through efforts to uplift the community.
Mr. Lemke's tenure is no less noteworthy, retiring after an impactful career overseeing critical components such as Fleet Maintenance and Sanitation. During his time, the Department of Public Works secured an accreditation from the APWA, underpinning his commitment to industry standards and accountability. Even in a year faced with transitions, as 2025 set in, he doubled as Director of Public Works and Interim Sanitation Director and never waned in ensuring that over a million budgetary needs were met for better public safety and quality of life.
These retirements signal the end of an era for DeKalb County. As they lauded Ms. Ransom and Mr. Lemke for their extraordinary service, the county prepares to find successors who will continue to carry the torch of excellence. Details regarding the transition and search for new leaders will surface in the upcoming weeks. Both Ms. Ransom and Mr. Lemke's legacies are assured to influence the county's efforts and direction for years to come, as illuminated by the county's statement through DeKalb County News.
