WHO WE ARE
WHO WE ARE
The DeKalb Ethics Board was established in its current form following the passage of HR 1243 in June of 2020. In 2015 with the passage of HR 597, the first Ethics Office was established and a full time Ethics Officer was hired. By law, the Ethics Board is completely independent of the DeKalb CEO, Commissioners and any officers or employees of DeKalb County government.
THE BOARD HAS THE FOLLOWING DUTIES
- To provide Advisory Opinions to all officials and employees who seek advice on ethical issues
- To receive and hear complaints regarding ethical violations of employees and officials in DeKalb
- To investigate matters brought by third parties or the Ethics Officer regarding potential violations of the Ethics Code
- To establish Rules regarding its matters within its jurisdiction and provide forms for disclosure
BOARD MEMBERS
Robert "Bob" Dallas
Chair of the Board of Ethics
Appointing Authority: House of Delegation
Term Ends: 12/31/2026
Email: [email protected]
Chiquita Wright
Vice Chair Board of Ethics
Appointing Authority: House Delegation
Term Ends: 12/31/2027
Email: [email protected]
James "Scott" Mathews
Board Member
Appointing Authority: Senate Delegation
Term Ends: 12/31/2026
Email: [email protected]
George Ference
Board Member
Appointing Authority: Senate Delegation
Term Ends: 12/31/2026
Email: [email protected]
Tom Clements
Board Member
Appointing Authority: House Delegation
Term Ends: 12/31/2027
Email: [email protected]
William T. Clark
Alternate Board Member
Appointing Authority: Superior Court Clerk
Term Ends: 12/31/2025
Email: [email protected]
Micah Dial
Board Member
Appointing Authority: Superior Court Clerk
Term Ends: 12/31/2026
Email: [email protected]
Lauren Florence
Board Member
Appointing Authority: Tax Commissioner
Term Ends: 12/31/2028
Email: [email protected]
Cathea Simelton-Treminio
Alternate Board Member
Appointing Authority: Superior Court Clerk
Term Ends: 12/31/2026
Email: [email protected]
WHO IS THE ETHICS OFFICER?
The Board appoints an Ethics Officer who must be an attorney with no involvement in DeKalb County politics. The Ethics Officer can serve up to 6 years.
The Ethics Officer is charged with:
- Educating and training all County officials and employees on awareness with ethical issues and compliance with the Ethics Code
- Investigating and bringing compliance actions to the Board either by third party complaint or the Ethics Officer’s own investigation
- Administering a hotline for receipt of anonymous complaints and acting upon such complaints
- Reporting annually on the activities of the Ethics Office and the state of DeKalb Ethics
ETHICS OFFICE STAFF
ELISA MURPHY
CHIEF ETHICS OFFICER
Kristin Rodgers
ETHICS ADMINISTRATOR
M. Hakim Hilliard
GENERAL COUNSEL