City of Stonecrest announces several senior level executives

STONECREST, GA – The City of Stonecrest announced several people hired for executive leadership positions. The City began rebuilding its senior leadership team last fall after deciding to serve residents through a largely in-house staffing model. As a result, City personnel now oversees all day-to-day operations, including code enforcement, human resources, leisure services, public relations and economic development.

“We are pleased to announce that Stonecrest has recruited some of the best and brightest minds in the business,” said City Manager Janice Allen Jackson. “Our diverse leadership team brings a wealth of knowledge in their respective fields and a total commitment to public service. The amalgamation of talent within this group will help us enhance the quality of life for our residents and attract more strategic investments in Stonecrest for generations. We look forward to working with the Mayor and City Council to create a Stonecrest that we can all be proud of.”

The City contracted with Baker Tilly and Developmental Associates, two national firms that specialize in local government executive searches, to recruit talent and to assist with the City’s transition to in-house staff.

“In this competitive job market, attracting top performing talent is the primary goal for every employer,” said Jackson. “We believe our leadership team will significantly enhance Stonecrest’s ability to deliver the best in local government services.”

 City of Stonecrest’s Senior Leadership:

Janice Allen Jackson, City Manager

Janice Allen Jackson serves as the City Manager She brings more than 30 years of leadership, advisement, and management experience to the City of Stonecrest. She is passionate about public service and local government priorities that enhance their residents’ quality of life. Jackson has been tapped to serve in senior level executive positions in several cities across the U.S. Through her leadership, Jackson has rebuilt public trust in local governments while providing strategic guidance to assist officials in developing and implementing the policies that shape the direction of their communities. She has been recognized by several civic and neighborhood associations for her dedication to public service. In 2017, under her leadership, the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, and Georgia Trend Magazine designated Augusta-Richmond County as a ‘County of Excellence.’ She has been recognized as one of Georgia Trend Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Georgians. She earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy from the College of William and Mary, and a master’s degree in public policy from Duke University.

Alejandro Ferrell, Director of Code Enforcement

Alejandro Ferrell leads the Code Enforcement team with more than 22 years of management experience in administration and code compliance. He has been with the City of Stonecrest since its initial year of existence. His background focuses on city codes and ordinances that enhance the quality of life, increase property values, and improve the general well-being of residents. Mr. Ferrell is a member of several state, national and international professional organizations. He is a 2013 Graduate of Leadership Sandy Springs, 2010 Graduate of the Fulton County Citizens Academy and 2021 Inaugural Graduate of the South Fulton Citizens Academy.

Ben Dillard, Director of Leisure Services

Ben Dillard is the Director of Leisure Services. He joins the City of Stonecrest with over 25 years of experience in public service, management, and leadership. He has held positions in parks and recreation that oversaw community engagement opportunities, including education, health and wellness programs, and public involvement. Dillard has a bachelor’s degree in sports management and recreation from the University of West Georgia, and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Georgia with a year behind him toward a PhD in urban planning.

Chief Judge Curtis W. Miller, Municipal Court

Judge Curtis W. Miller was officially sworn in as chief judge of the Municipal Court of Stonecrest. Judge Miller has dedicated his career and legal knowledge to the community in a host of key positions in both the public and private sectors. He has served in several leadership and advisory roles within the state’s judicial system. In 2014, Judge Miller was appointed as a Magistrate in Dekalb County by Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, and named the Supervisor of the Dekalb Magistrate Court, Criminal Division in 2017. He has represented defendants in conjunction with the Georgia Indigent Defense Council. Judge Miller earned a bachelor’s degree from Duke University, and a JD degree from the University of Georgia. 

DeAllous Smith, Director of Communications and Technology

DeAllous Smith is Director of Communications and Technology. He has over 20 years of success in public relations, crisis management, employee communications, championing business values and implementing community awareness campaigns. Smith has provided PR counsel to senior leadership and solutions to website management. He led promotional branding efforts for the world’s busiest airport and developed creative materials to support the state’s growing film and television sector. He has negotiated agreements with major production studios, including Warner Bros. Entertainment, Tyler Perry Studios and 20^th Century Studios. Smith is a recipient of Georgia Trend Magazine’s and the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s ‘40 Under 40’ awards. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Clemson University.    

Gerald Sanders, Deputy City Manager

Gerald Sanders has assumed the role of Deputy City Manager.  He brings more than 25 years of city and county executive level management experience to Stonecrest. His background encompasses operations management, real estate acquisition and sales, and community and economic development. Sanders has expertise in building public-private partnerships and managing a variety of capital improvement projects.  He has held several civic boards of director and chamber of commerce positions which have leveraged his ability to empower and economically benefit neighborhoods, community groups and businesses.  He is a certified local government manager, holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, and a master’s degree in public administration and in business administration from Georgia State University.

Gia Scruggs, Finance Director

 Hari Karikaran, City Engineer

Hari Karikaran serves as City Engineer. He has more than 30 years of experience in civil engineering design and project management. Karikaran has assisted local city and county governments in implementing a wide range of programs such as capital improvements, stormwater management and traffic engineering to enhance the quality of life for their residents. Mr. Karikaran earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Peradeniya, a master’s degree in environmental and water resources engineering, and a master’s degree in environmental resources management from the University of South Carolina.

Sonya Isom, City Clerk

Sonya Isom was appointed by City Council to her role as City Clerk. She brings more than 30 years of leadership and management experience to the City of Stonecrest. Her previous roles included the areas of administration, records management, and business execution, including 18 years with the Georgia Department of Transportation. She is a member of the Georgia Municipal Clerks Association. Isom attended Daemen College and the University of Phoenix.

Steven McClure, Director of Human Resources

Steven McClure serves as the Director of Human Resources. He brings over three decades of knowledge and experience in delivering high quality public sector human resources programs. Mr. McClure has held leadership positions in local government, regional public transit agency’s, planning entities, and in the public and private sectors of higher education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from North Carolina Central University, and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Delaware.    

Raymond White, Sr., Director of Planning and Zoning

Raymond White, Sr. is the Director of Planning and Zoning.. White has provided guidance and expertise in a host of city planning issues ranging from land use requests to comprehensive plan amendments. He has worked in both the public and private sectors in the areas of planning and economic development. Mr. White has a bachelor’s degree in community development and city planning from Rutgers University, and a master’s in city planning as well as a PhD in city and regional planning from Georgia Institute of Technology.

William Smith, Director of Economic Development

William Smith serves as Director of Economic Development. He is passionate about public service and brings more than two decades of professional experience in policy and economic development to the City of Stonecrest. He has overseen economic development initiatives, including recruiting, and retaining businesses as well as business community outreach. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Morehouse College, and a master’s degree in public policy from Georgia State University.