Mayor Andre Dickens Appoints Courtney English as Permanent Chief of Staff, Greg Clay and Gabrielle Slade to Serve as Deputies

Mayor's Office of Communications

Mayor Andre Dickens Appoints Courtney English as Permanent Chief of Staff

Greg Clay and Gabrielle Slade to Serve as Deputies
National search launched to fill Chief Policy Officer role

ATLANTA - Mayor Andre Dickens today announced the permanent appointment of Courtney English as Chief of Staff for the City of Atlanta. English, who has served in the role on an interim basis, will now formally assume the position and oversee operations of the Mayor's Executive Offices, intergovernmental coordination, and the strategic implementation of the administration's priorities.

English has spearheaded major citywide initiatives, most recently leading the transformational Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, a plan to invest $5 billion in housing, infrastructure, and community development to make Atlanta the best city to raise a child. He has also played a central role in advancing the City's efforts to address homelessness, helping to drive the $60 million Homeless Opportunity Bond, the single largest investment in Atlanta's history.

Under his leadership, English stood up the Mayor's Affordable Housing Strike Force, which has delivered nearly 12,000 units of affordable housing in less than four years. In partnership with Invest Atlanta, his team also led the creation of Atlanta's first municipal grocery store Azalea Market, designed to expand healthy food access and spur neighborhood revitalization.

English also played a key role in developing rapid housing projects such as The Melody and Ralph David's House, providing critical pathways to stability and dignity for the city's most vulnerable residents. He was instrumental in shaping Mayor Dickens' signature Year of the Youth initiative, designed to expand opportunities, programs, and support systems that have impacted more than 30,000 young people across Atlanta.

"Courtney English has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to the residents of Atlanta," said Mayor Dickens. "His strategic vision and dedication to public service will continue to help guide this administration as we advance our mission of building a City of Opportunity for All. I am equally pleased to appoint Greg Clay and Gabrielle Slade as Deputy Chiefs of Staff. Their extensive expertise and proven records of service will strengthen the Executive Office and ensure continuity in delivering results for our city.

Deputy Chiefs of Staff

Greg Clay
Greg Clay, a native of Atlanta, will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff following his tenure as Executive Director of Constituent Services, a position to which Mayor Dickens appointed him in February 2023. Clay brings decades of professional experience as a nonprofit executive, community advocate, and public administrator, having served in leadership roles in five municipalities, including East Point and College Park, Georgia.

In his most recent role, Clay implemented comprehensive community engagement strategies, improved customer service outcomes, and expanded resources for diverse populations including seniors, youth, and vulnerable communities. He has also served on numerous boards, including Skyview High School, 100 Black Men of Atlanta, and 21st Century Leaders.

Clay's service has been recognized with distinctions such as the Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 Under Forty Award, the Whitney Young Award, and the President's Drum Major for Service Award, presented by President Barack Obama. He holds a degree in Business Administration from Florida A&M University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas School of Public Affairs and Administration.

Gabrielle Slade
Gabrielle Slade will also serve as Deputy Chief of Staff, bringing nearly two decades of experience in municipal government. Most recently, she served as Deputy Chief Equity Officer in the Mayor's Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, where she advanced citywide equity strategies and institutionalized inclusive practices across government operations.

Over her 19-year career with the City of Atlanta, Slade has held senior roles across multiple departments. She served for a decade in the Mayor's Executive Office, including five years in legislative affairs, where she represented the City before legislative bodies, advanced major policy priorities, and oversaw 20 successful annexations that significantly expanded Atlanta's jurisdiction. She later led strategic planning in the Department of Parks and Recreation, where she guided the department to achieve national accreditation, an honor held by less than one percent of agencies nationwide.

A graduate of Spelman College, Slade is recognized for her policy expertise, strategic leadership, and ability to build consensus across political, departmental, and community landscapes.

"With the addition of Greg and Gabrielle to our leadership team, Atlanta is well-positioned to advance our mission of building a city that works for everyone," said Chief of Staff Courtney English. "Their proven records of service, depth of expertise, and commitment to innovation reflect our values and will ensure residents and neighborhoods remain at the center of all we do. Together, we will continue working to make Atlanta a city where all residents can thrive."

In addition to these appointments, a national search is underway for a new Chief Policy Officer. The position, previously held by English, will now report directly to the Chief of Staff, strengthening coordination across the administration's policy and strategic initiatives.

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