DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has named Christopher Bass as the new Director of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Affairs. The appointment is effective immediately.
Bass brings over 15 years of experience in parks and recreation management, strategic planning, and community programming. He previously served as Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Douglasville. In that role, he managed operations across the department, set goals and policies, and adjusted services to meet community needs. His leadership included overseeing the opening of a $15 million town green and amphitheater in Douglasville, directing park design and construction projects totaling $30 million, launching a sports tourism program, and accelerating implementation of a long-term master plan for parks. Under his direction, Douglasville’s department was recognized as an NRPA Gold Medal Finalist in both 2023 and 2024 and received the Grand Plaque Award in 2024. The department also achieved CAPRA re-accreditation during his tenure.
“Christopher Bass brings visionary leadership, technical expertise and a strong commitment to community-centered public spaces,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “His experience delivering high-quality facilities, expanding programming, and earning national recognition for excellence makes him exceptionally well-prepared to lead DeKalb County Parks and Recreation into its next chapter.”
Before becoming director in Douglasville, Bass worked as Assistant Parks and Recreation Director there. He oversaw facilities management, athletics programs, daily operations, managed a $5 million budget annually, and guided CAPRA accreditation efforts. Earlier at Columbus Parks and Recreation he supervised recreation centers as well as afterschool programs serving thousands of youth; he also managed joint-use agreements with local partners.
Bass holds both a Master of Public Administration degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Columbus State University. He is certified as both a Parks & Recreation Executive and Public Manager. He remains active nationally through roles with organizations such as the Commission for Accreditation of Park & Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA) National Certification Board, and Georgia Recreation & Park Association.
DeKalb County schools enrolled 98,287 students during the 2022-23 school year according to data from the Georgia Department of Education (https://www.gadoe.org/). During this period enrollment dropped by 2.2% compared to the previous year (https://www.gadoe.org/). Black students made up the largest share at 55.7%, followed by Hispanic students at 20.1%. White students represented about 14% while multiracial students accounted for just over 3% (https://www.gadoe.org/).
