Odie Donald II
Chief of Staff to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens
Regarded as a national leader in public administration, Odie Donald II serves as Chief of Staff to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. As Chief of Staff, Odie provides advice and guidance to the mayor on legislative and policy issues and serves as liaison to the public and private sectors in fostering partnerships and the development of revenue generating initiatives. The Office of the Chief of Staff also provides supervision and policy direction over External Affairs, Constituent Services, Communications, Human Services, all festivals/special events and special projects.
Prior to joining the Dickens’ administration, Donald served as Administrator for the consolidated government of Augusta – Richmond County. Under Donald’s leadership Augusta improved bond ratings at the Augusta Municipal Airport (to BBB), received the certificate of excellence for financial reporting (GFOA), and administered more than $100 million allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) aimed at mitigating the impacts of the global public health emergency. He is also credited with delivering key economic development initiatives including streamlining reviews of commercial and residential plans and delivering Augusta’s most diverse special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) program (passed by the public at 72%). During his tenure, Donald also launched key transparency and diversity initiatives highlighted by a pilot body camera program, a $15 an hour minimum wage for city employees, a countywide non-discrimination ordinance, and delivery of the first comprehensive blight ordinance in Augusta’s history.
Donald also has the distinction of serving as the first City Manager for Georgia’s fifth-largest city, the City of South Fulton. Under Donald’s leadership, South Fulton eliminated a $25 million deficit, doubled revenues, established the first positive fund balance (FY2021 $45 million) in the city’s history, streamlined service delivery, and set the strategic path for the city through robust land use, transportation, quality of life and the city’s first strategic plan.
Donald is also an active civic leader serving as President of the National Forum of Black Public Administrators- Metro Atlanta Chapter, and a member of the Georgia Forward Board of Directors. Donald is a proud graduate of Georgia State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History in 2003 and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2012. He has been recognized as one of the southeast United States’ most prominent young professionals, being named 40 Under 40 by Georgia Trend magazine in 2015, as well as a 2018 YoungGov 40 honoree by Young Government Leaders and the inaugural 40 under 40 class of honorees for Georgia State University in 2018 – joining a host of innovators in business, government, politics, and education. Donald also received the John F. Wall award from the National Association of State Workforce Agencies in 2018 and has been recognized as a regional influencer by Who’s Who in Black Atlanta in 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020.