Longtime DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson will retire on December 31, after nearly 26 years with the county’s tax office, including 10 years as commissioner.
Chief Deputy Tax Commissioner Nicole M. Golden will succeed Johnson according to Georgia law. Golden has over 20 years of legal experience and has served for nine years as chief deputy.
The office oversees motor vehicle titling and registration, tax billing, and revenue collection for DeKalb County.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead one of DeKalb’s key governmental functions,” Johnson said in a press release.
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Under Johnson’s leadership, the tax office implemented digital service options, expanded community outreach programs, and updated security protocols. He noted that the office achieved results despite pandemic challenges and workforce changes.
Johnson began working at the tax office in July 2000 as a network coordinator under former Tax Commissioner Tom Scott. He held positions including supervisor, manager, and chief deputy tax commissioner under Scott’s successor, Claudia Lawson. Johnson succeeded Lawson in 2016 and was elected to the position that year.
Before his career in public service, Johnson worked as a Quality Systems/ISO 9000 manager at Square D Company, a training supervisor at Michelin Tire Corporation, and a manufacturing supervisor at Westinghouse Electric Corporation. He also served as a job development coordinator with the Shenango Valley Urban League.
Johnson has served as president of the South DeKalb Rotary Club, chair of the Tax Commissioners’ Technology Development Council of Georgia (TCTECH), and board member of the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority. He also served on the board of directors at Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Tucker.
The Georgia Association of Black County Officials named him Tax Commissioner of the Year in 2024.
“While I prepare to transition, the office will continue under the capable leadership of the current chief deputy tax commissioner, Nicole Golden, as outlined in Georgia law,” Johnson said. “With more than 20 years of legal experience and nine years as chief deputy, Ms. Golden is well-qualified and prepared to lead the office while ensuring continuity at every level of the office.”
The tax commissioner’s office handles motor vehicle titling and registration, along with tax billing and revenue collection, functions that provide funding for county and school district operations.
Golden’s appointment follows state law provisions for succession when a tax commissioner position becomes vacant.
