Meet The Clerk

Debra E. DeBerry hails from New York City with over 25 years of experience and service in the public sector. In 2003, her career in DeKalb County commenced as Chief Deputy Clerk of Superior Court. In her current position as Clerk of Superior Court, DeBerry manages one hundred and six (106) employees who provide services to the citizens of the county and she also manages an annual departmental budget of over $7 million.

Since coming to DeKalb County, DeBerry has overseen the DeKalb County Jury Commission, served on the DeKalb County Juvenile Court Citizen Review Panel, was appointed to the Global Advisory Committee (GAC) reporting to United States Attorney General Eric Holder, served on the AIDS/HIV Task Force, and has been a volunteer and contributor for Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless Initiative. Ms. DeBerry also formed a relationship with Briggs and Associates, an agency which assists the mentally and physically challenged with employment and has hired three (3) employees through the agency.

DeBerry began her municipal career with the Watershed Management Department for the City of Atlanta as an Environmental Compliance Engineer. Her primary responsibility was protecting the community by ensuring that hazardous material disposal met the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. She also worked in the Office of Community Affairs where addressing the needs and concerns of the community were primary functions. During her time in the Office of Community Affairs, DeBerry was tasked with comforting those experiencing loss as she did during the Atlanta Financial District Shootings. Compassion for people is at the core of Ms. DeBerry‘s being and is one of the cornerstones of her administration as DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court. DeBerry also worked briefly in the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office before joining DeKalb County.

Ms. DeBerry ‘s experience in leadership is vast; she served as a member of the Operations Staff for the 1996 Olympic Games and was a Goodwill Ambassador to Black College Spring Break students. Prior to working in the government sector, DeBerry worked at General Motors for 20 years. In her position at General Motors, she managed over 100 employees and a multi-million dollar daily budget. Most importantly, DeBerry excelled in establishing work flow processes and in increasing efficiencies.

DeBerry is an active member and former board member of the National Association for Court Management (NACM) as well as a member and third year Mentor for the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA). DeBerry played an integral role in WestCare being formed in Georgia. Since 2009, she has served as a community liaison and advisor for WestCare. She has also worked diligently with the Global Justice Information Sharing Initiative.

DeBerry is passionate about public service and works tirelessly to support her community and those in need. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James DeBerry exposed her, at an early age, to the Civil Rights Movement, especially the importance of justice for ALL. She has volunteered with countless charitable organizations, and on numerous community improvement projects resulting in several letters of commendation from dignitaries.

Ms. DeBerry understands commitment and hard work first-hand from raising her son as a single mother. Ramon is DeBerry’s only child. He is currently a Deputy Sheriff.