TONI WASHINGTON - President

Toni Washington joined the City of Decatur in January 2009 as the first African American and first female to serve as the Fire Chief/Emergency Manager. Her work involves planning and managing the operations of the fire department in fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency management, and emergency medical services. Chief Washington has worked diligently to educate the public on fire safety. She began her public safety career at State Fire Marshal’s Office; and then to a Metro Atlanta fire department where she worked her way to the position of Deputy Fire Chief.

Before beginning her tenure in the public safety field, Toni attended Savannah State University where she received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management. After mapping her career path, she expanded her education and received a Master of Science in Managerial Leadership from National Louis University. Her corporate background includes employment with the Turner Home Entertainment Marketing and Public Relations Team, serving on the staff of actress Jane Fonda, and working with the Cobb Microenterprise Council where she assisted low to moderate-income individuals in achieving self-sufficiency. Toni’s other professional achievements consist of holding a wide variety of fire operations and public education certifications and trainings.

Toni and her husband Gregory are the proud parents of three daughters, Tahj (Lyndon), Lark (Mark) and Lauryn; and three grandsons, Little Lyndon, Logan, and Legend.