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Biography
On the heels of a landslide victory in the
2006 Georgia Primary, Commissioner Connie Stokes was named The Atlanta Business
Journal’s "Most Influential African American Women in Metro Atlanta."
Connie Stokes is a history maker. She is
the first African-American woman elected to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners
representing over 350,000 people. Commissioner Stokes defeated ten opponents to
represent Super District 7, which runs north to south from Doraville to the Henry
County line and from Memorial Drive and Candler Road to the Rockdale and Gwinnett
County lines. Super District 7, which includes Northlake, the Gallery at South DeKalb,
and Stonecrest Malls, is home to over half of the people who live in DeKalb County.
Her outstanding leadership has landed her an appointment to the national board of
directors of the National Association of Counties (NACO).
During her time on the DeKalb Board of
Commissioners, she has demonstrated leadership in fiscal responsibility, and
accountability to the people. Stokes has repeatedly stated, "My goal is to stretch
the taxpayer’s dollars as far as I can, and spend their money as prudently and
frugally as I do my own." She continues to work vigilantly in pursuit of this
commitment. Stokes is an advocate for public participation and works tirelessly to
get the people to add their voice to the small chorus of community leaders who
actively participate in making their government better.
Connie Stokes brings to the DeKalb County
Commission the experience of 10 years working as a policy maker/legislator. She was
first elected to office in 1994 as the State Senator from Georgia’s 43rd Senate
District, and distinguished herself in many ways. She was the first woman to chair
the sought after Senate Health and Human Services Committee. She was also the first
woman in the Senate to join the Governor’s Leadership Team.
As a State Senator, she served on the
Appropriations Committee where she worked on a budget of over 16 billion dollars. "I
am proud of my legacy of legislative experience well documented in Georgia history,
"says Stokes. "And I work hard everyday in every way to improve the quality of life
for the people of DeKalb County."
Connie Stokes has a proven record of working
to create jobs through supporting the development of small businesses. She is keeping
her promise to recruit new businesses and to expand existing business in our community.
The viability of increased economic development will enable the County to provide more
opportunities and better services. She continues to be a strong advocate for health
care by working with the DeKalb County Board of Health on initiatives to improve the
status of health for the people of DeKalb County.
Connie Stokes has a long history of supporting
programs such as: The Legacy Girls, Leadership Academy, Youth V.I.B.E., YMCA Seniors
Initiative Program, National Congress of Black Women, Women Resource Center to End
Violence against Women, College for Kids, and many other organizations.
Stokes is the recipient of a long list of
awards for her years of public service including the YWCA Academy of Women Achievers,
the Gender Justice Award, and the Acme Award, just to name a few. She has served on
numerous Boards of Directors both on the local and national level. She is a member of
several organizations including the National Association of Realtors, and The National
Association of Real Estate Brokers.
Stokes is a Toll Fellow and a Fleming Fellow,
as well as a graduate of Leadership DeKalb, Leadership Atlanta, Leadership Rockdale,
and the Regional Leadership Institute. Commissioner Stokes is a long time advocate for
affordable housing, which stems from being an accomplished businesswoman celebrating
years of success in the area of real estate, economic development, and marketing.
Commissioner Stokes responds to the lack of
information to the public about the role of government by producing and hosting a
television talk show titled “DeKalb Today,” which provides information about people,
places, events, and activities to enhance their quality of life. "DeKalb Today"
celebrated its 10th year on the air in 2006.
Commissioner Stokes is also a highly sought-after
public speaker. She is an experienced moderator, keynote speaker, mistress of ceremonies
and has spoken at various workshops and panel discussions. She is also a Distinguished
Toastmaster (DTM) with Toastmasters International.
Commissioner Stokes is a graduate of David T.
Howard High School in Atlanta. She received an Associate’s Degree from the Art Institute
of Atlanta. She graduated from the J. Mack Robinson School of Business at Georgia State
University where she earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in Marketing.
She is married to Dr. James A. Stokes and they
have three adult sons. They reside in Lithonia, Georgia and are members of St. Philip
AME Church.
Commissioner Stokes is a self proclaimed "health
enthusiast." She has stated, "I appreciate so much the increased sense of health and
wellness received from a consistent fitness program."
To invite Commissioner Stokes to speak at your
event or meeting,
please call (404) 371-3053, or send her an E-mail at:
conniestokes@co.dekalb.ga.us.
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