Mayor, Two City Employees Selected For Leadership Clayton Class of 2024

FOREST PARK, Ga. — Nov. 10, 2023 — The Clayton County Chamber of Commerce announced that Mayor Angelyne Butler, MPA, along with Forest Park Fire and Emergency Services Chief Latosha Clemons and Economic Development Staff Assistant Charise Clay, have been selected as members of the Leadership Clayton Class of 2024.

Since 1972, Leadership Clayton has engaged emerging and existing leaders in a nine-month program that broadens their knowledge of community issues, sharpens their leadership skills, and challenges themselves and others to seek solutions to key issues affecting our communities. With more than 800 graduates, the program is designed for men and women interested in making Clayton County a better place to live, work and play. 

"We are excited about the 2023-2024 Leadership Clayton Class and upcoming program year. We look forward to working with such a talented group of individuals as they continue to enhance their leadership skills,” said Valencia Williamson, President & CEO of Clayton County Chamber of Commerce. 

A native of the State of Washington, Mayor Butler, MPA, is an award-winning community leader who is the first person of color, as well as the second woman, to be elected mayor in the city’s 115-year history. She received her bachelor's degree in political science from Spelman College, her master's degree in public administration from Troy University and is currently persuing her doctorate degree in theology from the Restoration Theological Seminary in Forest Park. Mayor Butler is the proud daughter of Command Sgt. Maj. Butler, who instilled in her a true passion for community activism, government and above all, public service.

"I cannot think of a better way to remain engaged in all of the wonderful progress and growth happening in Clayton County. Being a part of this program not only allows me to dive deeper into some of the most critical issues facing our community, but it will also give me the chance to develop even more leadership skills that can be used to help resolve them," said Butler. 

With more than 25 years of fire service experience, Chief Clemons began her career with the Boynton Beach Fire Rescue Department in 1996 as the first African American woman in the department’s history. There, she held the positions of probationary firefighter EMT, paramedic, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief and deputy chief. Clemons is a graduate of the four-year National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officers Program in Emmitsburg, Md., and the Fire Service Development Program.

"As an authority figure exercising leadership, I am extremely honored to have been selected into such a prestigious program with so many like-minded leaders who are change agents for their communities. I am also reminded of a quote by one of our most famous leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 'Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.' Leadership Clayton is about service, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity," said Clemons.

Since joining the city in 2021, Charise Clay has helped spearhead several initiatives within the city's Economic Development Department, including the Forest Park Business Association and several small-business promotional campaigns. Clay received her bachelor's degree in communications from Columbus State University and master's degree in human resources management from Troy University.

“As a Clayton County Public Schools alumna and member of the Forest Park Economic Development team, I am honored to be a part of the positive energy happening within both the city and county. Clayton County has given me so much and made me the person that I am today. Now it’s my turn to return the favor by establishing meaningful relationships that will aid me in my current role,” said Clay.

To learn more about Leadership Clayton, visit www.claytonchamber.org/leadership-clayton-program.

 

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2023-2024 Leadership Clayton Class

  • Shavala Ames, City of College Park
  • Charity Bridgewater, Clayton County Magistrate Court
  • Angelyne Butler, City of Forest Park
  • Christoper Cato, City of Jonesboro
  • Tonya Clark, Clayton County Public Schools
  • Charise Clay, City of Forest Park
  • Latosha Clemons, City of Forest Park Fire and Emergency Services
  • Natasha Daniels, Kaiser Permanente
  • Nicole Dozier, City of Riverdale
  • Tiffany Duckworth, Clayton County Development Authority
  • Elizabeth Duncan, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity
  • Billy Evans, Clayton State University
  • Zina Gresham, City of Riverdale
  • Brian Hebert, Arts Clayton
  • Tina Howard, Clayton County Government
  • Tyrone Hylick, Georgia Power Company
  • Adam Ivory, The Collaborative Firm
  • Ebony Johnson, United Way of Greater Atlanta
  • Mandala Jones, Clayton County Housing Authority
  • Ashley Kekula, Clayton State University
  • Dennis McGouirk, Atlanta Gas Light
  • Doral Moore, Southern Regional Medical Center
  • Kennard Weever, Atlanta Technical College
  • Whitney Wilkins, Southern Regional Medical Center
  • Shenika Wright, Jonesboro Municipal Court

 

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