Open DeKalb Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization.
The Open DeKalb Inc. Board of Directors
Open DeKalb Inc. is supported by a broad array of civic-minded people. Like those important volunteers, all of Open DeKalb Inc.’s officers and directors are volunteers. Each brings to Open DeKalb his or her unique skills and training, permitting Open DeKalb to effectively achieve its goal of opening DeKalb County government to greater public scrutiny.
President: Julian (“Fred”) Fuerst, M.D., is a retired obstetrician who practiced medicine in DeKalb County for 35 years. He served as Chief of Staff of the DeKalb Medical Center and chief of his department. Dr. Fuerst lives in DeKalb County and is an active volunteer in many charitable organizations, including for example, the American Red Cross, where he provided medical care for Hurricane Katrina survivors who had reached Red Cross centers in the Atlanta area.
Secretary/Treasurer: Marc Sorenson, P.E., S.E., holds a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering and a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering. He is a registered Professional Engineer who has lived and worked in DeKalb County for 30 years. Having started his career in 1979, Mr. Sorenson currently owns and operates his own structural engineering consulting firm.
Director: Larry Foster, PhD., is a tenured professor of American History at the Georgia Institute of Technology where he has taught since 1977. Dr. Foster is a long-time resident of DeKalb County and an experienced researcher who is very knowledgeable about DeKalb County government operations.
Director: Susan Gouinlock, Esq., is an attorney who has been practicing law for since 1988. Ms. Gouinlock grew up in DeKalb County, Georgia and resides there now. Ms. Gouinlock served as co-counsel for Mickey Feltus in his Open Records Act lawsuit against DeKalb County, PDK, then-CEO Vernon Jones and then-Airport Director Lee Remmel. Ms. Gouinlock primarily represents clients in whistleblower litigation under the False Claims Act.
Director: Norma Herd, R.N. practiced critical care nursing for 25 years, during which time she served in many capacities, including, for example, Emergency Room Nursing Instructor. Now retired from nursing, Mrs. Herd lives in DeKalb County where she has lived for 30 years. She is an active volunteer in many civic and charitable organizations and was named one of DeKalb County’s 25 Most Outstanding Women in 2005 for her efforts on behalf of the DeKalb County community.
Director: Susan Socolow, PhD., is a retired and chaired professor of Latin American Studies at Emory University. Dr. Socolow is a skilled researcher and educator who speaks four languages. She has lived and worked in DeKalb County for over 25 years.