Jason Lary

Jason Lary, Sr. was elected as Stonecrest, Georgia’s first mayor on March 21, 2017. Since taking office on May 1, 2017, Mayor Lary has led the efforts to staff the city and secure a location for the first city hall. Through a partnership with CH2M, a worldwide consulting firm, Mayor Lary is serving the citizens of Stonecrest by staffing professionals in code enforcement, planning and zoning, parks and recreation, communications, city management and administrative services. During his first few months in office, Mayor Lary also hired a team of staff attorneys, set up short-term financing to address the city’s cash flow needs and led the effort to begin adopting ordinances that will improve the quality of life for Stonecrest residents. 

In September 2017, Mayor Lary took the first steps toward implementing the city’s Economic Development Department. One month later, he began efforts to lure major corporations such as Amazon, a company set to open a second, multi-billion-dollar headquarters. Mayor Lary crafted an idea to develop a corporate brand for Amazon by eponymously naming the 345 acres to be occupied by the retail giant. The mayor’s efforts will continue as he targets companies like Apple, Micro Center, and Costco.

Civic Initiatives

Before Mayor Lary became actively engaged in cityhood initiatives, he was a 2012 graduate of Leadership DeKalb, a prestigious organization designed to advance emerging leaders throughout the county. This organization helps leaders identify ways to improve the quality of life of DeKalb County residents and businesses. Mayor Lary's cityhood experience includes serving as the founder and president of the Stonecrest City Alliance in 2013, and the chairman of Stonecrest Yes from 2015 to 2017. He raised more than $50,000 from individuals, small businesses and corporations to conduct two Carl Vinson Institute studies. A successful CVI study was required by the Georgia General Assembly before the City of Stonecrest, Senate Bill 208, could be allowed on the ballot. The 2013 study failed, and in 2015 the study passed. Mayor Lary is universally recognized as the architect and founding father of the Stonecrest Cityhood movement. 

Career

Mayor Lary is a former healthcare executive who has worked with companies, such as Johnson and Johnson, EMC, and Kaiser Permanente, for more than 25 years. He has a background in public-private partnerships with DeKalb County and the City of Lithonia. Local businesses and residents benefited from his expertise in producing several successful outside events and concerts. He produced the Lithonia Concert Series at the Lithonia Amphitheater from 2004-2009. Mayor Lary was awarded the "Legends Award" from the DeKalb History Center in 2013 for his contributions to the cultural arts industry. Additionally, Mayor Lary opened the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center as the inaugural Production and Marketing Manager. He is the former Executive Director of the Lithonia Amphitheater for the Downtown Development Authority. Mayor Lary is an active commercial and residential real estate investor and classic car enthusiast. 

Family

Mayor Lary and his wife Debra have been residents of South DeKalb for more than 30 years. Married in 1986, the couple has resided within the new city limits of Stonecrest for more than 25 years. They are the proud parents of two adult sons, Jason Jr. and James. Both young men graduated from DeKalb County Public Schools - Redan High and Arabia Mountain High School, respectively. They both advanced their education. Jason Jr. is a 2013 graduate of Georgia State University and James is a sophomore at Georgia Southern University.

Debra obtained a B.S. Degree in Computer Science from Spelman College in 1984 and a Master’s Degree in Business Education. Lary received his B.A. in Public Relations from Clark Atlanta University in 1984. Debra is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Mayor Lary is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. They are active members of Union Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia. Mayor Lary serves as a Deacon and Chairman of the Trustee Board while Debra serves as a Deaconess.

State of the City Address

Stonecrest Mayor's first State of the City address explains where we are as the city approaches its first year of self governance. The Mayor discussed the city's history and his vision for the newly-formed city. Other topics discussed included the city's CVI Study projected budget, the proposed city of Amazon, no new taxes, SPLOST, economic development, and attracting new business to Stonecrest. "Stonecrest is a city built for business"

- Mayor Jason Lary