The last weeks of 2025 brought announcements of multiple changes within DeKalb County leadership as the first year of Lorraine Cochran-Johnson’s role as DeKalb County Government CEO wraps up.
On Dec. 16 and Dec. 17, officials announced three department heads would soon be retiring: Deputy Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Director of Public Safety Joseph H. “Jack” Lumpkin Sr.; Director of Public Works Richard “Rick” Lemke; and Director of Human Resources Benita Coakley Ransom.
Lumpkin has worked with DeKalb County since 2018, according to a news release. “As Deputy COO and director of Public Safety, Lumpkin has been responsible for strategically enhancing the day-to-day service delivery of all DeKalb County Public Safety departments. His vision focused on eliminating systemic barriers, strengthening internal and external customer service, and embedding data-driven, industry best practices across the DeKalb County Police Department, Fire Rescue Department, 911 Communications, Emergency Management Agency, Medical Examiner’s Office, and Animal Services,” stated officials…