Candidate

Lance Hammonds was born in Houston Texas to Lawyer and Shirley Hammonds. He is the oldest of 5 children. Lance grew up in the housing projects of South-Central Los Angeles during a time when gangs were on the rise and walking to school was a daily challenge. He often looks back on those days and wonders how he made it out when so many of his friends became addicted to drugs, spent time in prison or were killed. He truly believes it was only by the grace of God and loving parents who understood that education was the key to a better life.

Lance attended the University of Redlands in Redlands California, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Upon graduation he joined Chevron Chemical’s Ortho Division in Blythe California as a chemical salesman and licensed crop advisor. Advising farmers on methods to protect their crops from insect and weed infestations. Lance was promoted after a few years to Account Manager for the entire state of Arizona.

Afterwards, Lance accepted a promotion with Chevron and relocated to Atlanta Georgia. He further enhanced his skills by earning an MBA Degree from the Keller Graduate School of Management in Atlanta GA. He has worked for various global fortune 500 corporations for many years, in various sales and marketing positions. He has always used his analytical and business skills for the benefit of his community.

Lance has served in leadership positions as a long-time resident of DeKalb County, such as homeowners associations, PTA’s, President of the DeKalb Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Board Member of the Eastlake, and South DeKalb YMCA’’s , DeKalb Transit Master Plan, Chair of the Rockbridge Coalition, and the DeKalb Charter Review Commission.

Lance believes in the power of an empowered community to transform itself into a destination of choice for diverse families. Lance is married to Dr. Freda Hammonds; they have 4 adult children and 7 grandchildren.