Cornell McBride Jr. to Serve as Decide DeKalb Board Chair, Continuing Strong Leadership and Continuity for DeKalb’s Economic Development Authority
Decide DeKalb has named Cornell McBride Jr. as Chair of its Board of Directors.
McBride, who previously served as Board Vice Chair, brings decades of business leadership and a deep commitment to DeKalb County to the role. He is president of McBride Research Laboratories, a DeKalb County-based manufacturer of Design Essentials, the globally recognized and admired professional hair care brand.
McBride said his focus as Chair will be on continuing the Authority’s work to attract investment, support business growth, advance redevelopment and expand economic opportunity throughout DeKalb County. “DeKalb has tremendous potential, and I believe deeply in what is possible when we bring the right people, ideas and resources to the table,” McBride said. “I’m honored to serve as Chair and look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place. There is important work ahead, and I’m ready to get to it.”
As a second-generation leader of McBride Research Laboratories, McBride has guided the company’s continued innovation and growth for more than 30 years. An award-winning entrepreneur, motivational business speaker and media executive, he is nationally recognized for his expertise in entrepreneurship, sustainability, risk management and business leadership. His leadership has been featured in Black Enterprise, ESSENCE and Sheen Magazine, among others. His honors include Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Small Businessperson of the Year Award, Sheen Magazine’s Legacy Torch Award and DeKalb Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year Award.
“Cornell understands business, understands DeKalb and understands what it takes to build something that lasts,” said Dorian DeBarr, President & CEO of Decide DeKalb Development Authority. “That combination of business acumen, experience and genuine passion for this county makes him an exceptional leader for Decide DeKalb. Our work continues, our priorities remain clear, and I’m confident we have the leadership in place to keep moving DeKalb forward.”
McBride succeeds Ann Hanlon, who resigned from the Decide DeKalb Board in late August after being appointed by Governor Brian Kemp to the newly established Georgia Transportation Efficiency Authority (GTEA) Board of Directors. Hanlon has also been selected to serve as founding Chair of the GTEA Administration Committee, which will help establish the new state agency and support its transition to a new gubernatorial administration later this year.
Hanlon joined the Decide DeKalb Board in 2023 and was elected Board Chair in September 2025. During her tenure, she provided leadership and expertise at the intersection of transportation, infrastructure, real estate and economic development. Hanlon is the Executive Director for the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts (PCIDs).
“It’s been an honor to serve Decide DeKalb and to work alongside a board and staff so committed to DeKalb County’s future,” said Hanlon. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving in a different capacity and am especially pleased to know the Authority is in such capable hands. Cornell brings tremendous business experience and a deep connection to DeKalb, and I look forward to seeing the organization continue to build on its momentum.”
The new board chairman will lead at an important time for Decide DeKalb as the Authority continues its work on economic development initiatives across the county, including business recruitment and retention, redevelopment, small business support, housing investment and strategic partnerships.
“One of the strengths of Decide DeKalb is having leaders who understand that service is bigger than any one organization or position, DeBarr added. We’re proud to see Ann take her experience to the state level, and we’re equally proud to have someone of Cornell’s caliber ready to step forward.”