About Us

Benita C. Ransom | Director of Human Resources & Merit System

 Benita Coakley Ransom has proudly served as Director of Human Resources & the Merit System for DeKalb County since 2011, where she leads one of the region’s most comprehensive and strategic human resources operations.  In this role, she oversees all facets of talent acquisition, employee and organizational development, compensation, employee relations, HR information systems, and occupational health for a diverse workforce of nearly 7,000 public servants. Under her leadership, HR continues to drive innovations, operational excellence, and a steadfast commitment to equity integrity, and service.

Benita brings to DeKalb County a distinguished career in public service, having previously served the City of Atlanta as the Human Resources Commissioner. There she led major reforms in workforce policy, oversaw complex labor relations across union and non-union environments, and administered benefits programs, for thousands of employees. She also held the position of Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Mayor, where she advised on strategic initiatives and budget matters. Earlier in her career, she developed her analytical and financial acumen as a financial analyst at Lockheed Corporation.

With more than 20 years of experience in both executive and technical HR roles, Benita’s career reflects her an unwavering belief that public service is among the highest callings- offering a rare and meaningful opportunity to shape communities, uplift lives and drive transformational change.

A respected leader and mentor, Benita has received several awards for her professional excellence and civic engagement, and actively serves on various boards and committees.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Fisk University graduating cum laude and earned her Master of Business Administration in Management from Boston University. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she is also nationally certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Human Resources and Merit System Departmental Summary

The Human Resources Director oversees the development, implementation, and coordination of policies and programs covering recruitment and employment, training and employee development, classification and compensation, human resources information systems, employee relations, skills testing, employee services, and maintenance of official centralized personnel records system, Drug and Alcohol Testing policies, and certain occupational health services.  The Human Resources Director also administers the county's disciplinary action appeal process in accordance with the DeKalb County Code Administrative Procedures and County Ordinances.

Focus Areas:

• Executive Recruiting and Competitive Compensation
• Innovative Policy Development and Service Delivery
• Executive Leadership Support
• Strategic Planning and Development 
• Organizational Assessments

HR Awards

Nationally Certified Staff

Meet the executive team