Fairburn has new city administrator

Donna M. Gayden, took over the post of Fairburn city administrator after the previous office holder, Tom Barber whose contract was terminated in June 2016. No explanation was given for Barber’s dismissal, then-Mayor Mario Avery would only say it was “the will of the council.”

While the city looked for his replacement Fire Chief Stephen Hood served as interim city administrator.

Gayden was most recently the village administrator for Hazel Crest, Illinois. She brings to Fairburn 20 years of extensive knowledge from the government and non-profit sectors, according to Fairburn officials.