DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has announced the appointment of Christopher Bass as Director of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Affairs, effective immediately.

Mr. Bass brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in parks and recreation management, strategic planning, and community-focused programming to this role. He most recently served as Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Douglasville, where he managed department-wide operations, established goals and policies, and aligned services and staffing to meet the needs of a growing community. In that role, he led the opening of the $15 million Douglasville Town Green & Amphitheater and directed all phases of park design and construction for Jessie Davis Park ($25 million) and Willing Workers Park ($5 million). He also launched the City’s Sports Tourism Program and accelerated implementation of the 10-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan, completing its recommendations in five years. His department earned recognition as an NRPA Gold Medal Finalist in 2023 and 2024 and received the Grand Plaque Award in 2024, while also achieving CAPRA re-accreditation.

“Christopher Bass brings visionary leadership, technical expertise and a strong commitment to community-centered public spaces,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “His experience delivering high-quality facilities, expanding programming, and earning national recognition for excellence makes him exceptionally well-prepared to lead DeKalb County Parks and Recreation into its next chapter.”

Prior to serving as director, Mr. Bass was Assistant Parks and Recreation Director in Douglasville, where he oversaw recreation facilities, athletics, and programming operations, managed a $5 million annual operating budget, and guided the department through CAPRA accreditation. Earlier in his career with Columbus Parks and Recreation, he managed recreation facilities and 26 afterschool programs, oversaw 175 employees, maintained a $4.7 million operating budget, and helped establish joint-use agreements that expanded services to thousands of youth.

Mr. Bass holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Columbus State University. He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive and Certified Public Manager. He remains active in the profession through national and state leadership roles, including service with the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) National Certification Board, and the Georgia Recreation and Park Association. His professional achievements have been recognized with numerous awards honoring leadership and excellence in the field.