DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson to retire after decades of service

DECATUR, GA. – After serving the citizens of DeKalb County for nearly 26 years, the last 10 years as tax commissioner, Irvin J. Johnson will retire as of Dec. 31, 2025.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead one of DeKalb’s key governmental functions: motor vehicle titling and registration, and tax billing and revenue collections. We achieved the approval of 10 consecutive and timely tax digest submissions, which resulted in the collection of tax revenues for county and school operations. Through pandemic and hybrid workforce challenges, these accomplishments were delivered effectively by a committed and excellent tax office team. I am equally proud of the team’s responsiveness across the board and for their efforts in modernizing tax operations, successfully implementing more digital options, adding online and in-person community outreach and education opportunities, and enhancing security protocols.”

“While I prepare to transition, the office will continue under the capable leadership of the current chief deputy tax commissioner, Nicole Golden, as outlined in Georgia law. With more than 20 years of legal experience and nine years as chief deputy, Ms. Golden is well-qualified and prepared to lead the office while ensuring continuity at every level of the office.”

Johnson began his career at the tax office in July 2000 as a network coordinator. Under the leadership of former Tax Commissioner Tom Scott and his successor Claudia Lawson, Johnson held several positions during his career at the tax office, including supervisor, manager, and chief deputy tax commissioner. In 2016, Johnson succeeded Lawson and was elected later that year as tax commissioner.

Prior to joining the tax commissioner’s office, Johnson was a Quality Systems\ISO 9000 manager at Square D Company, a training supervisor with Michelin Tire Corporation, a manufacturing supervisor with Westinghouse Electric Corporation, and a job development coordinator during his tenure with the Shenango Valley Urban League.

Johnson is a past president of the South DeKalb Rotary Club, past chair of the Tax Commissioners’ Technology Development Council of Georgia (TCTECH), former board member of the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority, and a former member of the board of directors at Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Tucker. In 2024, Irvin was named Tax Commissioner of the Year by the Georgia Association of Black County Officials.