Five Counties, One Stage, One Historic Night

In celebration of Women’s History Month, DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson hosted an evening forum at the Fernbank Museum on Wednesday, bringing together the Chairwomen of Cobb, Clayton, Gwinnett, and Henry counties for a conversation on leadership, public service, and the future of local communities across metro Atlanta. The forum featured Chairwoman Lisa Cupid of Cobb County, Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry of Clayton County, Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson of Gwinnett County, and Chairwoman Carlotta Harrell of Henry County, joining DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson for what proved to be an inspiring and candid evening of conversation. The event was moderated by V103’s Dr. Maria Boynton, whose thoughtful questions guided the five leaders through an engaging discussion that kept the audience captivated throughout the night.

The evening was further elevated by the presence of Shirley Franklin, the first female Mayor of Atlanta and a mentor to many of the women on stage, along with other powerful political women in attendance, making the room itself a testament to how far women in Georgia leadership have come. The five leaders collectively represent jurisdictions serving more than 3 million residents, making the gathering one of the most expansive assemblies of women in county-level executive government in the region’s recent history.

Each leader spoke candidly about her path to public service, sharing personal stories, pivotal moments, and hard-won experiences that shaped her journey into some of the most demanding executive roles in Georgia government. The discussion drew on each leader’s professional experience, touching on the realities of governing large, diverse counties, the challenges of public service, and the responsibilities that come with representing millions of residents. Attendees included community members, civic leaders, and local stakeholders. As a closing, each chairwoman offered advice to the women in the room, urging them to lead with purpose, embrace their unique voices, and never underestimate the power of showing up and doing the work.

“There is something extraordinary about women coming together to lead, to share, and to shape what’s next,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “This conversation was not only about where we are today, but about the future we are building together, rooted in service, equity, and opportunity for all.” The event was free and open to the public, held as part of the county’s broader recognition of Women’s History Month.

Photo left to right: Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson of Gwinnett County, Chairwoman Lisa Cupid of Cobb County, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Chairwoman Carlotta Harrell of Henry County, and Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry of Clayton County.