Mayor Andre Dickens has permanently appointed Courtney English as chief of staff for the City of Atlanta. English, who has served in the role on an interim basis, will now formally assume the position and oversee operations of the Mayor’s Executive Offices, intergovernmental coordination, and the strategic implementation of the administration’s priorities.
According to a press release, English has spearheaded major citywide initiatives, most recently the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative. He also played a central role in advancing the city’s efforts to address homelessness, helping to drive the $60 million Homeless Opportunity Bond, the single largest investment in Atlanta’s history.
Under his leadership, English stood up the Mayor’s Affordable Housing Strike Force, which has delivered nearly 12,000 units of affordable housing in less than four years. In partnership with Invest Atlanta, his team also led the creation of Atlanta’s first municipal grocery store Azalea Market, designed to expand healthy food access and spur neighborhood revitalization in Downtown
“Courtney English has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to the residents of Atlanta,” Dickens said in a media statement. “His strategic vision and dedication to public service will continue to help guide this administration as we advance our mission of building a City of Opportunity for All.”
Dickens also anounced the appointment of Greg Clay and Gabrielle Slade as Deputy Chiefs of Staff. “Their extensive expertise and proven records of service will strengthen the Executive Office and ensure continuity in delivering results for our city,” Dickens said.
Clay, a native of Atlanta, was previously executive director of Constituent Services, while Slade recently served as Deputy Chief Equity Officer in the Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.