Team of Experts
Michelle Long Spears
Born into a poor family in the American South, Michelle’s mother, Mary Ann, instilled strong values, a love for community, and a solid ethical code into her at an early age. Out of a difficult upbringing came enlightenment and compassion — for people, place, and planet. The flame of community service was lit and so her journey began striving to keep families and children, as well as our ecosystems and wildlife, from falling through the cracks and getting lost in broken systems.
Her social sector career began at the YMCA, a nonprofit that exposed her to community challenges ranging from homelessness to health disparities to mental and substance abuse issues. Armed with education and experience, Michelle continued her work with other nonprofits and eventually launched NP Voice, a social impact consulting practice focused on resource development, collaboration building and community engagement in a wide range of issue areas including environment and conservation, health and human services, social justice, and many others. Last year, Michelle was elected to serve as the District 2 Commissioner on the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners.
Michelle dedicated her life to help others dream big, exceed potential, and acquire the resources required to be successful and prosperous — while remaining grounded in humble beginnings. Michelle graduated from the University of Houston with focuses in sociology and communications. She later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from Georgia State University. During the pandemic, she completed a Certificate in Business Management, Ethics, and Finance from Georgia Piedmont Technical College.
Michelle is a proud alumnus of Leadership DeKalb, Atlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Leadership Institute, Leadership Gwinnett, and Forum for the Future’s School of System Change. She resides in Brookhaven with her husband – Chris, bonus children – Ryan, Lindsay and Graham, and four-legged babies – Betsey, Tilly and Greenie.
Caroline Enloe
With over a quarter century in public service, Caroline Enloe has been working in the DeKalb Commission District 2 office. Originally assisting Commissioner Gale Walldorff part-time while completing a theology degree from Emory’s Candler School of Theology in the early 90’s, Enloe became full time Chief of Staff for District 2 under Commissioner Jeff Rader. She welcomes the opportunity to continue in this roll under Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, aiding the commissioner in all aspects of county administration, public outreach, and community engagement. A lifelong resident of District 2 and graduate of Druid Hills High School, Enloe currently divides her time between Decatur where she and husband Paul raised 4 children and have deep roots, and the city of Greensboro, Georgia. Always available with a listening ear and understanding presence, Enloe enjoys assisting residents, staff and the business community navigate county government.
Walter Brown, LEED AP
President, Bright Sun Community Solutions
Walter Brown is the Founder of Bright Sun Community Solutions, a real estate advisory and urban development consultancy focused on sustainable urban revitalization strategies for both private real estate investments and civic improvement projects. With over 35 years of real estate and community development experience, including co-founding Green Street Properties in 2001, Walter led development and corporate sustainability initiatives for both GSP and later Jamestown Properties (2001-2014) involving over $1 billion in asset value. He was responsible for the LEED certification of major office and retail assets in New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Savannah, including the 2 million square foot, Ponce City Market historic redevelopment project. Walter co-led the development of the award-winning Glenwood Park community and led the master planning and entitlements for the 82-acre Riverview Landing.
Some recent projects include: Manuel’s Tavern Redevelopment Project (2015-2016), South Downtown Atlanta (2016-2021), Fort Gillem – Blue Star Studios (2021-2022).
Beth Ganga
Beth Ganga has joined us as the Policy and Planning Manager. With her expertise, we’re looking forward to enhancing our strategic initiatives and ensuring that District 2 remains at the forefront of sustainable and community-focused planning.
Sonia Tyler
Sonia Tyler steps into the role of Constituent Services and Community Engagement. Sonia will be the bridge between our office and you, ensuring that your voices are heard and your concerns are addressed promptly.
