Decatur City Manager Peggy Merriss is a model public servant. After 35 years of dedication to her community, Peggy has retired. After working her way up through the City of Decatur, Georgia’s agencies, Peggy became the first woman to ever serve as Decatur City Manager in 1993. She would go on to serve as the President of the Georgia City and County Management Association, then in 2002 as the first woman to lead the International City/County Management Association. Peggy is a true believer in the value of civic engagement and implemented local programs to engage residents, such as Porchfest and Better Together.
“All of us in Decatur have reaped the benefits of Peggy Merriss’ visionary leadership, her ability to think creatively, and her passion for developing a strong management team. She is an innovative thought leader and a model of integrity. Having worked at the City of Decatur for 35 years and served as City Manager for 25 years, Peggy has exemplified wha
t it means to be a true public servant and role model, mentoring and growing leaders in the organization while helping the city pursue vibrant community engagement and complete the renovation or rebuild of all city facilities while maintaining strong fiscal management. It is only fitting that under her leadership Decatur received an All-America City award in 2018.”
-Patti Garrett, Mayor
Continuing its commitment to civic engagement, Decatur was recognized with an All-America City award last year. Decatur was recognized for seeking to build an equitable and inclusive experience for its residents and visitors, focusing on racially-just community policing and building diverse and affordable housing.
Read more about Peggy’s work.
