DECATUR, Ga.—DeKalb County District Commissioner Robert Patrick recently signed
his oath of office as a newly appointed board member of Decide DeKalb and attended
his first meeting with the board today.

Earlier this month, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond appointed Commissioner Patrick to
the economic authority’s board.

“I am honored to appoint Commissioner Robert Patrick to the Decide DeKalb board,”
CEO Thurmond said. “His local government experience, knowledge of economic
development and commitment to public service will benefit all of the county.”

The freshman commissioner took office in November 2020 after winning a runoff race
with incumbent Nancy Jester. Commissioner Patrick brings a wealth of knowledge and
experience to the Decide DeKalb board, including nearly two decades of government
experience dating back to his tenure with the city of Norcross, where he led the city’s
planning and zoning department. His most recent position was with the City of Doraville
where he was elected to serve as the District 1 city councilman.

Commissioner Patrick also served as both the vice president and president of the
DeKalb Municipal Association, participated in north end transportation studies, the
Doraville Comprehensive Plan Update, the creation of the first Parks and Walkability
Master Plan, and the first Buford Highway Livable Centers Initiative.

Commissioner Patrick will serve on the Decide DeKalb board for four years, serving as
the first liaison between Decide DeKalb and the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners. He will assist in
providing leadership and guidance on the economic growth in DeKalb.

The University of Georgia is where Commissioner Patrick received his bachelor’s
degree in political science. He and his wife Mary have been proud residents of DeKalb
County for close to 20 years, and together share three wonderful children, Robert Jr.,
Kate and Sylvia.