Since arriving in DeKalb County 20 years ago, Sharon Barnes-Sutton has devoted much of her life to serving the Stone Mountain community where she resides. As a community servant, Sharon possesses over 24 years of experience in professional and volunteer aid to DeKalb.

Sharon was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama to a family that believed in hard work and helping others. They imparted upon Sharon their belief that to make a difference in this world, one has to roll up her sleeves and go to work. Change does not happen on its own. Sharon has taken these words to heart, whether training young people to be successful in business or working with educators to improve academic excellence, she is committed to making a difference.

A great deal of Sharon's accomplishments throughout the past decade have centered on involvement with her number one concern – the education and success of her three children. Sharon has always recognized the importance of education in improving the lives of young people and desired to make a difference not only in the lives of her children, but also for their friends and neighbors. She has served the educational community in various capacities: as Co-President of the Clarkston Stone Mountain Parent Council; as the President and co-founder of the Robert Shaw Traditional Theme School PTA; on the Advisory Team to the Curriculum Design and Development Department of the DeKalb County School System; on the DeKalb County School System Blue Ribbon Task Force; and as the Partners in Education Coordinator at Martin Luther King High School in Lithonia, Georgia, just to name a few.

Her leadership and dedication has led to incredible results in DeKalb County. Because of Sharon's effort new programs have been established, parental involvement has increased, communication between schools and parents have become more fluid, curriculums have been upgraded, and opportunities have expanded for students. Without question Sharon has left an indelible mark in the field of education.

Sharon is also a member of several local, state, and national organizations. She is a member of the Georgia and National Business Education Associations; on the Executive Board for the Georgia Association of Educators; a Sponsor for the Business Leaders of America; and is the Legislative Chair for the Organization of DeKalb Educators

She is currently an educator with the DeKalb County School System in Business and Career Technology Instruction. Sharon has worked in the private sector in sales, human resources, and real estate. She has also worked in the public sector with the Department of Family and Children Services and at Grady Hospital.

Sharon is an advocate for education not only for the betterment of the opportunities for our children, but in recognition of her own successes in life that have stemmed from public education and the pursuit of academic achievement. She earned a Bachelor of Science at the University of Alabama, a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at Mercer University, and her Secondary Education Certification at West Georgia College.

Sharon Barnes-Sutton has accomplished much in her life, but she continues to find new ways of serving the public. Sharon is a 2003 graduate of Leadership DeKalb and understands and appreciates the connections between education, business and government that establish and promote the quality of life within the community. She has served as a Member on the Commissioner-Appointed DeKalb Community Council. She has also been a member of the Coalition of 100 Black Women, Decatur/DeKalb. Currently she serves as a member of both the Democratic Women of DeKalb and the DeKalb Democratic Party on its Legislative Committee.

Sharon Barnes-Sutton is looking forward to enhancing the quality of life for the residents of District 4, as well as all of DeKalb County. A constant community servant, Sharon is excited about “Working with YOU for a Better DeKalb” as your next District 4 Commissioner.