Seven Women. Seven Counties. A Historic Moment for Metro Atlanta Leadership
Clayton County’s Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry joins a remarkable group of Black women shaping the future of local government across metro Atlanta.
A significant moment in Georgia’s political history is unfolding across metro Atlanta, where seven Black women are poised to lead seven of the region’s most influential county governments.
From Clayton County to Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Henry, Gwinnett, and Douglas counties, these leaders represent a powerful milestone in representation, public service, and regional leadership.
With Mo Ivory’s historic election as Fulton County Commission Chairwoman in November 2026, the region is preparing to enter a new chapter in which Black women will hold the top elected leadership positions across all seven county governments.
Meet the Seven Women Leading Metro Atlanta
Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry — Clayton County
As Chairwoman of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry represents a county with a rich history, a growing business community, and an important role in the economic development of south metro Atlanta.
Her leadership places Clayton County at the center of this regional milestone.
Mo Ivory — Fulton County
Mo Ivory made history with her November 2026 election as Chairwoman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.
Scheduled to take office in January 2027, Ivory will lead Georgia’s most populous county, home to the City of Atlanta and a major center of business, government, and economic activity.
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson — DeKalb County
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson serves as Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County, the county’s highest elected executive position.
Her role reflects DeKalb’s distinctive form of county government and its importance to the broader Atlanta metropolitan region.
Lisa N. Cupid — Cobb County
Lisa N. Cupid serves as Chairwoman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners.
Her leadership is part of a significant transformation in political representation across one of metro Atlanta’s largest and most economically influential counties.
Carlotta Harrell — Henry County
Carlotta Harrell serves as Chairwoman of the Henry County Board of Commissioners.
Henry County has experienced substantial residential and commercial growth, making county leadership increasingly important to infrastructure planning, economic development, and the quality of life of its residents.
Nicole Love Hendrickson — Gwinnett County
Nicole Love Hendrickson serves as Chairwoman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners.
Her leadership reflects the changing demographics and expanding economic influence of one of Georgia’s most diverse counties.
Dr. Romona Jackson Jones — Douglas County
Dr. Romona Jackson Jones serves as Chairwoman of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.
Her position completes this remarkable group of seven women whose leadership extends across metro Atlanta’s western, northern, eastern, and southern communities.
A Milestone That Extends Beyond County Lines
The significance of this moment reaches beyond the individual accomplishments of these seven women.
Together, they represent an important chapter in the evolution of local government leadership in Georgia.
County governments make decisions that directly affect residents and businesses every day, including transportation, public safety, economic development, infrastructure, housing, and essential community services.
The presence of these seven women in positions of leadership also provides a visible example of what is possible for future generations of women and girls interested in public service.
While each leader brings her own experience, priorities, and governing philosophy, their collective presence marks a noteworthy milestone in the history of metro Atlanta.
Clayton County’s Place in This Historic Moment
For Clayton County residents, this milestone carries special significance.
As Chairwoman of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry is part of a regional leadership landscape that continues to evolve.
Clayton County’s location, transportation assets, business community, and proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport make its future closely connected to that of surrounding counties.
As metro Atlanta continues to grow, collaboration among county leaders will remain essential to addressing shared challenges and creating opportunities for residents and businesses.
Celebrating Leadership, Representation, and Possibility
Seven women. Seven counties. One remarkable moment in Georgia history.
Their leadership is a reminder that representation matters, public service matters, and the decisions made at the county level help shape the future of our communities.
The Best of Clayton County congratulates these seven distinguished leaders and recognizes this significant milestone in metro Atlanta’s history.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact of their leadership and the continued progress of the communities they serve.
About The Best of Clayton County
The Best of Clayton County celebrates the people, businesses, organizations, events, and community achievements that make Clayton County, Georgia, a special place to live, work, and visit.
Visit The Best of Clayton County to discover more local news, community highlights, and stories worth sharing.
Website: https://www.bestofclaytoncounty.com
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