Biography

Shortly after her landslide victory and swearing in to serve her second term as DeKalb’s Super District 7 Commissioner, the Atlanta Business Journal added Commissioner Connie Stokes to the list of "Most Influential African American Women in Metro Atlanta." Connie Stokes, a history maker, became the first African-American woman elected to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners representing over half of the people who live in DeKalb County; roughly 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 borders Gwinnett and Rockdale County. Super District 7, which includes Northlake, the Gallery at South DeKalb, and Stonecrest Malls, is comprised of the cities of Doraville, Lithonia, Pinelake, and Stone Mountain.

As the current chairwoman of the DeKalb Board of Commissioners’ Budget, Finance and audit Committee, 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 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 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. Her outstanding leadership has landed her an appointment to the national board of directors of the National Association of Counties (NACO) for 2006-2007.

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’s 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, the ABL Women of Vision, 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 continues to educate 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" celebrates its 13th year on the air in 2009.

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) and Division Governor 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 Georgia State University where she earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in Marketing. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University.

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 the increased sense of health and wellness received from a consistent fitness program."

To invite Commissioner Stokes to speak at your event or meeting, call (404) 371-3053, or send her an e-mail at conniestokes@co.dekalb.ga.us. You may also visit her website at www.conniestokes.org.