Mayor Andre Dickens announced the appointment of Tarlesha Smith to serve as the Commissioner of the Department of Human Resources. The Department of Human Resources partners with City agencies and employees to hire, compensate, support and develop a diverse workforce that is dedicated to delivering high-quality services to the community. The Department designs and manages the City’s Human Resources programs and fosters the development of innovative policies and practices.
“From my first day in office to my ‘People First’ FY 2023 budget, I have prioritized the retention and attraction of top-tier, dedicated public employees who provide world-class service to Atlanta’s residents and business community,” said Mayor Dickens. “Tarlesha Smith has a proven record as a Senior Human Resources Executive with extensive experience in labor, employment law, talent management and values that align with our mission to move Atlanta forward. We are pleased to welcome her to our team and continue our work to supercharge City services for our communities.”
Smith most recently served as Assistant City Manager and Human Resources Director for the City of Fort Lauderdale. While there, she implemented a citywide classification and compensation study, completed a vast backlog of employee merit-based performance evaluations within her first 60 days, reduced the average time to fill vacant positions down to 55 days, developed a new process and project timeline for Collective Bargaining processes and more.
Earlier this year, Mayor Dickens directed a pay and class study to be conducted this year that will provide guidance for future compensation for all City employees.
Mayor Dickens also thanked current Human Resources Commissioner Jeffrey Norman for his service to the City. Norman will continue to serve the City in the Department of Law. Norman first joined the City in 1999 in the Department of Law, serving in various roles over the years.
“Commissioner Norman led critical health education efforts for City employees throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and a number of other initiatives to improve the Department. Thank you to Commissioner Norman for his leadership and years of exceptional service.”
Smith was also a Founder and Managing Member of T.W. Smith Law Group, LLC in Miami, Florida, and previously served as Human Resources Division Director for Miami Dade County Fire Rescue, in Doral, Florida and Human Resources Director for the City of Hialeah in Florida.
Smith earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Science and Bachelor of Public Administration from Grambling State University and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami.
She is a member of the State Bar of Florida and the U.S. District Court – Southern District of Florida.
With a passion for community and civic service, Smith has served as Founder / National President of the Society of Distinguished Black Women, a Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Miami Alumnae Chapter Legal Advisor), and Director of Operations for the Domestic Violence Education and Prevention Project.
Smith’s effective date is September 19, 2022.