Department of Human Resources Management Team

       Benita C. Ransom
     HR DIRECTOR

    (404) 687-3588

DIRECTOR’S OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES & MERIT SYSTEM

The Director of the Human Resources and Merit System Department provides strategic leadership in all areas of human capital management, serving as a key business partner to County leadership. The Director oversees recruitment, classification, compensation, employee relations, organizational development, and performance management ensuring alignment with County objectives and codified principles. Committed to innovation and continuous improvement, the Director leverages data and workforce analytics to drive evidence-based decision-making and enhance service delivery. The Director also leads the Merit System, ensuring compliance, accountability, and transparency in all personnel actions.

Focus Areas:

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

Jadia P. Haynes
HR DEPUTY DIRECTOR

(404) 371-2332

GENERALIST DIVISION [G-UNIT]

The HR Generalist Division serves as a “one-stop-shop” for talent acquisition, classification and compensation, succession planning, and organizational design. The division is responsible for sourcing and recruiting qualified applicants across all organizational levels, including executives, management, and supervisory positions.

Focus Areas: 

• Recruitment and Selection
• Classification and Compensation

Lena M. Taylor
HR MANAGER

(470) 586-1966

POLICY DIVISION

The Policy Division develops, reviews, and revises policies to align with federal and state legislation. The team researches and recommends best practices to enhance operational effectiveness and applies policies, procedures, and practices fairly and consistently across all departments.

Focus Areas:

• Administrative Policies and Procedures
• County Procedures and Executive Orders
• DeKalb County Personnel Code
• Legislative and Regulatory Compliance
• Policy Council, and Policy Alignment with Organizational Strategic Goals

Dominique Grant
HR MANAGER

(470) 580-6519

OCCUPATIONAL COMPLIANCE DIVISION

The Occupational Compliance Division (OCD) oversees the facilitation of pre-employment physicals, annual physicals, and psychological assessments for sworn personnel. OCD also manages CDL physicals, fitness-for-duty evaluations, and random drug and alcohol screenings for safety-sensitive employees. Additionally, the division arranges critical incident and grief counseling through EAP and psychological vendors. Beyond compliance, OCD plays a crucial role in supporting employees by coordinating the interactive process for workplace accommodations, ensuring they can fulfill the essential functions of their roles. 

Focus Areas: 

• Physical Examinations  
• Substance Abuse Testing 
• Fitness-for-Duty Evaluation 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Employee Accommodation Request

Katherine "Kay" Furlong
HR MANAGER

(470) 580-6532

HUMAN RESOURCES INFORMATION SYSTEMS DIVISION

The Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) Division provides a central solution for employee data, applicant tracking, onboarding, payroll, and more through the maintenance and management of HR databases such as CV360, Kronos, etc.

Focus Areas: 

• CV360 
• Employment Verifications (E-Verify / I-9)
• Leave Programs (FMLA, DOL, Military), etc.

Cassandra W. Mouzon
HR MANAGER

(470) 580-6526

BUSINESS DIVISION

The Business Division enhances organizational efficiency by optimizing systems, streamlining processes, ensuring budget and payroll compliance, and leveraging technology. The division also provides administrative support to facilitate the operational requirements and resource needs of HR and other county departments and agencies. 

Focus Areas: 

• HR Budget and Contracts 
• HR Metrics
• Temporary Personnel Services
• Unemployment Claims
• Open Records Requests

 Janet Essix
HR MANAGER

(470) 580-6535

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS DIVISION

The Employee Relations Division (ERD) leads efforts to resolve workplace conflicts, address discriminatory practices, and foster a respectful, productive environment across DeKalb County. ERD manages grievance, complaints, and disciplinary appeal processes, and delivers training to support fair and consistent employee relations. The division also conducts organizational assessments to identify workforce trends and areas for improvement and oversees Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) reporting and compliance to ensure adherence to all relevant laws and policies.

Focus Areas:

• Compliance Division (OCD Appeals, Grievances, and Complaints)
• Hearing Officers and Merit System Council
• Equal Employment Opportunity Reporting
• Organizational Assessments 

Fabienne Niles
HR MANAGER

(470) 580-6531

ORGANIZATION & EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

The Organization and Employee Development Division (OED) supports the County’s strategic priority of “Investing in Employees”. OED is responsible for cultivating a well-trained and highly skilled workforce through performance management, computer and soft skills training, management and leadership training, customer service enhancement, onboarding, and employee rewards and recognition programs.

Focus Areas: 

• Training and Performance Management
• Bright Futures Leadership Development Program
• Mentoring and Coaching Support
• Employee Engagement and Recognition
• Tuition Reimbursement