Dorna F. Werdelin

As Chief Communications Officer (CCO), Ms. Werdelin oversees the Office of Communications, and is responsible for developing and executing the communications and public relations strategy, specifically media relations, graphic design, District branding and reputation management, internal and external communications, and social media/content management.

Dorna has 25+ years of experience in communications & public affairs, government & community relations, and workforce development. Prior to being selected as the CCO, Ms. Werdelin served as Vice President of communications, marketing and public relations at Atlanta Technical College where she elevated the College through awareness and promotion of its award-winning programs, faculty, staff, and students. Ms. Werdelin served in numerous leadership roles in the state of Georgia government, including Communications and Learning Officer with the Georgia Department of Administrative Services. She also served on the state’s inaugural Communications Governance Council for Georgia state purchasing as a legislative liaison. Ms. Werdelin was employed at Hess Oil Virgin Islands prior to her work in the state of Georgia, where, as the Deputy Information Officer and government liaison, she was responsible for community outreach programs and organizational training.

Dorna began her career at Upscale Magazine shortly after graduating from Spelman College in Atlanta; then moved back to St. Croix, USVI, to serve as the Director of Training and Government Relations for a vocational training school that partnered with the USVI Department of Labor to provide employability skills and career services for displaced and dislocated workers. It is during this time that she developed a passion for serving the community’s most vulnerable citizens and promoting awareness of the contributions they made to society despite their socio-economic status. Ms. Werdelin currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Children’s Shelter. She earned an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management from Baker College of Graduate Studies and a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Management & Organization from Spelman College.