CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson Appoints Juliana Njoku as Director of Planning & Sustainability for DeKalb

DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has appointed Juliana A. Njoku as the new Director of Planning & Sustainability, marking a key step in the County’s bold agenda to modernize operations, increase community engagement, and drive equitable growth.

“Juliana Njoku brings a unique blend of strategic vision, technical expertise, and community-centered leadership,” said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “As we work to streamline development processes and build stronger, more inclusive communities, Juliana’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of DeKalb County.”

Njoku brings more than 25 years of experience in urban planning, project management, and community development, with a strong track record in both the public and private sectors. Prior to joining DeKalb County, she served as the Inaugural Director of Community Development for the City of Mableton, Georgia and the Director of Planning & Development in Rockdale County. Njoku has also served as a development and housing policy consult for leading organizations including Atlanta Housing, the United Nations, and several mission-driven development firms. Her work has consistently focused on aligning land use strategy with sustainable growth and neighborhood equity.

A certified Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt, Njoku also holds a professional certificate in Sustainability and Innovation from Harvard Extension School. She is known for her hands-on leadership style, her ability to modernize outdated systems, and her deep commitment to engaging residents in the planning process.

In her new role, Njoku will lead the County’s Department of Planning & Sustainability—overseeing zoning, permitting, code compliance, environmental policy, and community engagement initiatives. Her appointment comes as DeKalb embarks on several transformative initiatives, including comprehensive code reform, housing expansion, and improved coordination with municipalities and developers.

“I am honored to join DeKalb County at such a dynamic moment,” Njoku said. “This is an opportunity to build a planning department that is not only efficient but also deeply connected to the people it serves. I look forward to collaborating with stakeholders across the County to ensure thoughtful, inclusive growth.”