DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis announced the appointment of Luz Borrero as deputy chief operating officer of development effective Nov. 19.

“In the current economic climate, characterized by a national recession and a declining tax digest, I believe that it is extremely important to engage in activities that encourage and promote jobs creation, economic vitality, and increase the county’s tax digest,” Ellis said.

The appointment unifies the various functional areas that have responsibilities to promote community development, economic development and jobs creation under a multi-year strategic plan, according to a media release.

Ellis has assigned the following departments to report to the deputy chief operating officer of development: planning and sustainability, economic development, community development and workforce development. In addition, Borrero will serve as DeKalb County’s liaison with related authorities.

Borrero brings more than 22 years of professional experience to DeKalb County. Since December 2010, Borrero has worked as vice president of Purpose Built Communities, an Atlanta-based organization that seeks to transform struggling neighborhoods into vibrant and sustainable communities. From 2004-10, she was Atlanta’s deputy chief operating officer.

Borrero has also worked for the Southern Regional Council and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, among others.

Borrero has a law degree from the University of Santiago de Cali and a postgraduate degree in international economics from the Université de Montpellier in France.

“With her depth of knowledge and experience, I am excited that Luz Borrero has accepted this position,” Ellis said.