Lisa Y. Benjamin, CPA, is a partner at Atlanta-based consultant firm Lexicon
Strategies that specializes in public affairs, media, marketing, and strategic
consulting engagements for national and international firms. She is the former
Chief Operating Officer for the City of Atlanta where she was the highest-ranking public official appointed by Mayor Andre Dickens. She previously led a staff of 8,500 and was responsible for city operations including public safety, transportation, water and sewer, capital infrastructure, convention hospitality, small business development, information technology, innovation, and operation of the world’s busiest airport Hartsfield Jackson International. The City has financial oversight for over $11 billion in funds. She served as the Vice Chair of the City’s Pension Investment Board with close to $4 billion in institutional investments. The city won numerous awards during her tenure, including Money Magazine naming the City of Atlanta the Best Place to Live. Financial stewardship led to city reserves exceeding $200 million and Moody’s and Fitch affirmed Aa1 and AA+ bond ratings for its general obligation debt.
She is a strategic leader and consensus builder who enjoys working on complex business issues that leverage technology and creating opportunities for robust client-focused solutions. She has a strong acumen for complex financial transactions, public-private partnerships, and small business development.
She serves on NAPA's Board.
History of Employment
Position
Division
Organization
Start
End
Partner
Lexicon Strategies
2024
Present
Chief Operating Officer
City of Atlanta, Georgia
2022
2024
President and Chief Executive Officer
Atlanta Habitat for Humanity
2015
2022
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Atlanta Beltline, Inc.
2010
2015
Enterprise Assets Management Officer
City of Atlanta, Georgia
2007
2009
City Manager
City of East Point, Georgia
2004
2007
Assistant City Manager
City of Austin, Texas
2000
2004
Assistant to the County Manager
Broward County
2000
Quality Control Director-Public Works Department
Broward County
Information Technology Business Manager
Broward County
Budget and Management Analyst
Broward County