DeKalb Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson takes office
DeKalb's new tax commissioner is Irvin Johnson, a 14-year county employee with private sector experience in manufacturing management.
Johnson replaced Tax Commissioner Claudia Lawson, who retired Dec. 31 after nearly 37 years of public service, including her leadership of the tax office since 2006.
Johnson served as Lawson’s chief deputy since 2007 and has held jobs such as Brookhaven branch manager, delinquent collections manager and motor vehicle supervisor.
He said in a statement he’ll emphasize customer service, principled custody of taxpayer funds and continued technological advancements.
Johnson is seeking a four-year term during the May 24 primary election. DeKalb County attorneys are reviewing whether there’s a legal requirement for a special election, according to the Tax Commissioner’s Office.
About the Author
Mark Niesse is an enterprise reporter and covers elections and Georgia government for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and is considered an expert on elections and voting. Before joining the AJC, he worked for The Associated Press in Atlanta, Honolulu and Montgomery, Alabama. He also reported for The Daily Report and The Santiago Times in Chile.
