SSMMA bids Hazel Crest Village Manager Donna Gayden fond farewell

Please join SSMMA as we bid a fond farewell to Hazel Crest Village Manager Donna Gayden.

Fairburn Mayor Mario Avery has named her as the municipality’s new city administrator, beginning Dec. 4. Fairburn is a city located about 20 miles southwest of Atlanta, GA, and has a population of nearly 13,000.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve Hazel Crest and the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association over the years,” Donna said.

“We hate to see Donna go, but wish her all the best in her new role and new hometown in Georgia,” said SSMMA President and Hazel Crest Mayor Vernard Alsberry, Jr.

Ms. Gayden has been an active member of SSMMA’s Executive and Management & Finance Committees. In addition, she has served as Hazel Crest’s village manager since 2015. Previously she was Glenwood’s village administrator, as well as CEDA’s controller where she oversaw the annual budget of $200 million, managing payroll and finances for more than 40 CEDA administers’ programs.

Donna also serves on the Governing Board for Advocate South Suburban Hospital as a commissioner representing Cook County on the Mid-Mark Water Commission, as board member for TCA Health Clinic, National Forum for Black Public Administers and on various other committees.

Ms. Gayden holds a Master of Science in Tax Law from John Marshall Law School and a Master of Science in Accounting from Governors State University. She has also earned a certificate for Senior Executives in State and Local Government from Harvard Kennedy School of Government, in Investigation and Prevention of Commercial Fraud from Northwestern University’s School of Continuing Studies and a certificate in Leadership and Organizational Development from Governor’s State University.

Ms. Gayden began her accounting career as a Senior Accountant with Robison Retail Store a division of the May Co. Later she worked with the minority CPA firm of Simpson & Simpson in Los Angeles, where she performed audits on the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the Sales and Tax Division. She has also traveled abroad performing international accounting as a consultant.