Mayor Andre Dickens announced that Chief of Staff Odie Donald will depart the City of Atlanta on July 7, 2025, to take on a new role as Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Richmond, Virginia.

Donald was appointed to the position in January of 2022 and in the role, served as a key senior advisor to the Mayor on legislative and policy issues and was a liaison from the Mayor’s Office to the public and private sectors. The Office of the Chief of Staff oversees Legislative and External Affairs; Constituent Services; Communications; Cultural Affairs; Sustainability; International and Immigrant Affairs; Special Events; Diversity Equity and Inclusion; Film and Entertainment; and the Department of Labor and Employment Services. 

Dickens called out Donald’s strong negotiating and relationship-building skills in helping to prevent the Buckhead City campaign in 2022 from gathering enough momentum to split the neighborhood from the City of Atlanta. He also cited his leadership on the following critical city departments and initiatives:

• Launched and built a strong operating foundation for the Atlanta Department of Labor and Employment Services, which was created in 2023 to support fair compensation and pay class delivery for fire, police and frontline city employees and provide a host of employment services.
• Launched the City’s Nightlife Division, helping to serve more than 4,000 establishments and contributing to a reduction in crime and enhancements in community safety.
• Launched the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program, the largest of its kind in the Southeast, which this year will put more than 6,000 young people to work.
• Negotiated and secured $1.6B in federal/private funding for the City of Atlanta.
• Delivered innovative LOST model on behalf of all 14 cities in Fulton County, preserving billions in sales tax revenue.
• Helped to deliver four consecutive balanced budgets at the highest revenue levels in the City’s history, all with the unanimous support of the Atlanta City Council.

Reflecting on his service, Donald shared, "One of my greatest honors has been the opportunity to serve my hometown with integrity and impact. In Atlanta, I've had an opportunity to work alongside dedicated public servants, community partners, and business leaders who all share my love for this City. I'm proud of what the Dickens’ administration has accomplished and grateful for the opportunity to serve and support the Mayor’s bold vision."

Dickens Administration Appointments and Additional Announcements

As part of his commitment to continue building a strong, efficient, and service-driven city government, Dickens also announced several key leadership updates within his administration. These appointments, effective July 1, 2025, come as the City of Atlanta celebrates a series of historic milestones—including its first-ever AAA credit rating, the unanimous adoption of a $3.0 billion FY 2026 Operating Budget, and Mayor Dickens being named CEO of the Year by the Atlanta Business League.

“Each of these individuals has already proven their ability to lead with integrity, efficiency, and a deep commitment to public service,” said Chief Operating Officer LaChandra Burks. “With this strengthened leadership team in place, we are well-positioned to build on our recent successes and continue delivering results for our residents.”

Chief Policy Officer Courtney English also announced the transition of two valued members of his team: Josh Humphries, Senior Policy Advisor, and Matt Bedsole, Director of the Housing Innovation Lab.

Key Appointments

Theo Pace, currently serving as Deputy Chief of Staff, will be promoted to Deputy Chief Operating Officer, where he will oversee the day-to-day operations of City departments and ensure continued excellence in service delivery. 

Theresa Austin-Gibbons has been appointed Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Employment Services, following strong leadership during her time as interim commissioner. She has strengthened the City’s Summer Youth Employment Program—connecting hundreds of young Atlantans with paid job opportunities and career development support.

Calvin Blackburn, J.D. has been named Commissioner of Human Resources, bringing with him decades of experience in public service, employee relations, and organizational management. A seasoned attorney with a strong background in employment and labor law, Blackburn has advised public and private sector organizations on complex personnel matters, contract negotiations, and workforce policy. 

Chandra Houston, J.D.  has been appointed Chief Procurement Officer, where she will continue driving transparency, equity, and efficiency in the City's procurement practices. Houston is noted for the development and implementation of new procurement workflows to reduce sourcing cycle times and improve sourcing participation and outcomes; and the development of the Department’s first Negotiation Playbook for Procurement.