ATL Standard

Mayor Dickens Appoints New Director of Intergovernmental Affairs

ATLANTA—Mayor Andre Dickens announced the appointment of Justin Kirnon as the Administration’s Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. In this role, Kirnon will manage the City of Atlanta’s relationships with all levels of government and coordinate with City Departments and agencies to advance the City’s interests.

“Justin is a respected consensus builder with extensive experience both within the city of Atlanta and across the state of Georgia,” said Mayor Dickens. “He knows how to collaborate across the aisle and ideological divides, which will serve the City well—not only during the State legislative session but throughout the year. In addition to his knowledge of public transportation and MARTA, his background in the public, private, and non-profit sectors will serve Atlanta well and we welcome him to our team.”

Prior to joining the Administration, Kirnon served as Vice President of Government Relations at Capital City Public Affairs. There, he led the development, coordination, and execution of comprehensive government relations strategies for clients—including engagement with state and local entities and administrative agencies. Kirnon also managed Troutman Pepper Strategies’ State Affairs Division, excelling in client recruitment and fostering relationships with officials and policymakers at all levels.

Kirnon has also served as Government Relation Manager for MARTA, where he led the agency’s state legislative efforts under the Gold Dome. Prior to that role, Kirnon served for several years as a Senior Governmental Relations Associate for the Georgia Municipal Association.

"Joining Mayor Dickens' team as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs is an incredible honor and an exciting opportunity. I am deeply grateful for the Mayor's confidence in my abilities, and I am eager to leverage my experience in government relations to serve the City of Atlanta. I look forward to collaborating with local, state, and federal partners to advance initiatives that will continue to drive our great city forward,” said Justin Kirnon.

The Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs is responsible for:

- Developing and maintaining relationships with federal, state, regional, and local governments.

- Coordinating with city departments and agencies to produce the City’s legislative package.

- Strategizing with the City’s federal lobbyists regarding federal programs and legislation.

- Advocating for the City’s interests at the Georgia General Assembly.

- Working with other interested parties relative to legislation, financial support, and projects beneficial to the City.

Kirnon earned both a B.A. in Public Relations and an MPA in Public Administration from Valdosta State University. His effective date is July 22, 2024.