Dr. Jeff Rader

Biography

Jeff Rader is a widely recognized planner and public official known for his work in interface planning, analysis, and policy implementation since 1987. He has significantly shaped public sector community organizations, focusing on integrating comprehensive planning principles into major decisions in metropolitan Atlanta. His expertise lies in infrastructure, environmental development policy, and public trust administration, where he has influenced business, public interest, and governmental policymakers. Rader's exemplary planning abilities have earned him recognition as a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners. He received the Common Cause Democracy Award and the Citizen Action Citizen of the Year Award. Over his career, he has served in various roles, including staff planner for Cobb and Fayette Counties, Vice President of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Planning Director of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, and Executive Director of the Regional Business Coalition. Elected to the DeKalb County Commission in 2006, he served for 16 years before retiring in 2022. Rader earned an AB in Economics from the University of Georgia in 1981 and a Master's in City Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1987.

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Experience