Mayor Andre Dickens announced the appointment of Paulina Guzman as the Director of Mayor’s Office of International & Immigrant Affairs (MOIIA). Guzman most recently served as Interim Director MOIIA.

“Atlanta is an international city, and the Office of International & Immigrant Affairs is one of the most essential elements in maintaining our cultural and economic strength in the global community,” said Mayor Dickens. “This team needs strong leadership, which is what Paulina Guzman brings to this role. Her background in international affairs, knowledge and love for Atlanta makes her the ideal leader to help us continue to make this a city of opportunity for all.”

In this role Guzman will plan, implement and oversee the office’s operations to maintain Atlanta’s position as a global leader, and most importantly empower the city’s international and immigrant community. Additionally, she will advise senior leadership on diplomatic protocol and lead strategic partnership opportunities with local, national and international organizations.

While serving as Interim Director, Guzman has hosted 122 delegations from over 55 countries, including Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. In 2024, hosted 16 delegations including Under Secretary of State Jose Fernandez and the Atlanta Phambili delegation led by U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety. Additionally, her team was awarded more than $6.8 million from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program – Humanitarian (EFSP-H) Grant administered by the United Way National Board to support newly arriving migrants, which is a crucial lifeline for non-profits dedicated to assisting new arrivals from the southern border, reinforcing our commitment to humanitarian efforts.

Guzman joined the City of Atlanta in 2017 as International Affairs Coordinator and served as Global Engagement Officer and Deputy Director from 2018 to 2023. Before joining the City of Atlanta, she served as the Membership Relations Manager for the World Affairs Council of Atlanta where she led membership and development strategy and implementation. She currently serves as a board member of the Atlanta Global Studies Center External Advisory Board and Robinson College International Advisory Board.

Guzman earned a Master of Science in International Affairs from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Economics from Georgia State University.