Atlanta leader Reginald D. Wells appointed DeKalb County’s new Director of Watershed Management

DECATUR, GA- DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has announced the appointment of Reginald D. Wells as the new Director of Watershed Management, following the retirement of longtime director David Hayes. 

With more than 25 years of leadership experience in water resource management and infrastructure operations, Wells will lead the county’s efforts to enhance water services, improve infrastructure, and maintain regulatory compliance.

“Reginald Wells brings a wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of water infrastructure management,” said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “As we transition leadership following David Hayes’ dedicated service, we are confident that Reginald’s vision and strategic approach will help DeKalb County continue providing reliable, high-quality water services to our residents.”

Wells most recently served as Assistant Commissioner for the City of Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management, where he managed a $675 million annual budget, oversaw a workforce of more than 1,350 employees, and directed a $1.2 billion capital improvement program. He previously served as Director of Watershed Management for DeKalb County, where he led critical infrastructure projects, managed the county’s water treatment and distribution systems, and spearheaded initiatives to ensure compliance with federal consent decrees.

A graduate of Georgia Southern University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering Technology, Wells holds multiple professional licenses, including Wastewater Collection Operator, Wastewater Plant Operator, and Water Distribution System Operator. He is also a Rising Star Executive Leadership Graduate and holds certifications in emergency management, asset management, and OSHA safety compliance.

As Director of Watershed Management, Wells will oversee the county’s multi-billion-dollar capital improvement program, water treatment operations, and wastewater infrastructure, ensuring that DeKalb County remains at the forefront of water sustainability and service delivery. His leadership will be pivotal in modernizing the county’s systems and meeting the needs of a growing population.