DeKalb County announces retirement of long-serving leaders in Human Resources and Public Works

DECATUR, GA— Toady, DeKalb County announced the retirement of two distinguished department heads whose leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on County government and the residents it serves, Benita Coakley Ransom, Director of Human Resources and Richard “Rick” Lemke, Director of Public Works.

Ransom retires after nearly 15 years of faithful and exemplary service to DeKalb County, where she led one of the region’s most comprehensive and forward-thinking human resources operations. Throughout her tenure, she oversaw all facets of the County’s human resources administration, including talent acquisition, employee and organizational development, compensation, employee relations, human resources information systems, and occupational health.

Guided by vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Ransom strengthened operational effectiveness, advanced innovation, and fostered a culture grounded in equity, accountability, and service. Under her leadership, the Department of Human Resources played a vital role in supporting a high-performing and diverse workforce dedicated to public service.

Before joining DeKalb County, Ransom brought a distinguished record of public service, including her tenure as Human Resources Commissioner for the City of Atlanta, where she led major workforce reforms and administered benefits programs serving thousa Staff in the Mayor’s Office, providing strategic counsel on key initiatives and budgetary priorities.

Ms. Ransom’s professional journey reflects her belief that public service is a noble calling—one that creates opportunities to uplift communities and drive meaningful, transformational change. She is widely recognized as a respected leader and mentor and has received numerous awards for professional excellence and civic engagement. DeKalb County has benefitted immeasurably from her wisdom, compassion, and steadfast commitment to building a strong, equitable workforce.

Richard “Rick” Lemke retires following a distinguished tenure as Director of Public Works, during which he provided exemplary leadership and oversight of the Department of Public Works, including the divisions of Fleet Maintenance, Roads and Drainage, Sanitation, and Transportation. In this role, Mr. Lemke was responsible for more than 1,100 employees and an operating budget approaching $300 million, ensuring the delivery of essential services that enhance safety, mobility, and quality of life for DeKalb County residents.

Under Lemke’s leadership, the DeKalb County Department of Public Works achieved accreditation from the American Public Works Association (APWA) in 2023, a significant milestone reflecting his commitment to excellence, accountability, and industry best practices. In 2025, he further demonstrated his dedication to public service by assuming a dual role as Director of Public Works and Interim Sanitation Director during a period of transition.

Prior to joining DeKalb County in 2018, Lemke built a distinguished national career in public service, serving in engineering and public works leadership roles in Mundelein, Illinois; Green River, Wyoming; and Titusville, Florida. He remains actively engaged in advancing the public works profession through his contributions to the APWA Accreditation Program, service as an author for the APWA Reporter, presentations at national conferences, and work as an accreditation evaluator for public agencies.

DeKalb County extends its deepest gratitude to Ransom and Lemke for their extraordinary service, leadership, and lasting contributions. Their legacies will continue to shape the County’s workforce, infrastructure, and commitment to excellence for years to come.

Details regarding interim leadership and the search for permanent replacements will be announced in the coming weeks.