When Mayor Andre Dickens talks about building a city that works for everyone, leadership matters. Today, he announced a strengthened executive team to help drive that vision forward — naming Courtney English as Chief of Staff and appointing Greg Clay and Gabrielle Slade as Deputy Chiefs of Staff.
Together, the trio will oversee day-to-day operations, guide intergovernmental coordination, and advance the Mayor’s key priorities: housing, youth opportunity, equity, and effective government.
Building on Momentum
English has served as Interim Chief of Staff since earlier this year, leading several of the administration’s most ambitious projects — including the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, a $5 billion plan to strengthen housing, infrastructure, and community development.
Under his direction, the City launched the Homeless Opportunity Bond, the largest investment in Atlanta’s history to reduce homelessness, and delivered nearly 12,000 affordable housing units in less than four years. He also helped shape the Mayor’s Year of the Youth initiative, which has expanded opportunities for more than 30,000 young Atlantans.
“Courtney English has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to the residents of Atlanta,” said Mayor Dickens. “His strategic vision and dedication to public service will continue to guide this administration as we build a City of Opportunity for All.”
New Deputies, Shared Mission
Deputy Chiefs of Staff Greg Clay and Gabrielle Slade bring deep experience in community engagement and city operations.
Clay, a lifelong Atlantan and former Executive Director of Constituent Services, is known for his results-driven approach to improving customer service and outreach to residents.
Slade, a 19-year City of Atlanta veteran and Spelman College graduate, has advanced equity and inclusion across multiple departments and helped the City achieve national parks accreditation.
“With the addition of Greg and Gabrielle to our leadership team, Atlanta is well-positioned to advance our mission of building a city that works for everyone,” said Chief of Staff Courtney English. “Their commitment to innovation and equity ensures residents remain at the center of all we do.”
What’s Next
A national search is underway for a new Chief Policy Officer, the final key appointment in the Mayor’s executive leadership team. The position will report directly to the Chief of Staff and support strategic coordination across departments and citywide initiatives.
