“I’m here to work for Decatur with fresh energy, approachable leadership, and a commitment to an inclusive, connected community—where every voice matters and every neighbor feels at home.”
About
Hi, I’m Deanna Jue Sutandi — a proud City of Decatur resident and passionate advocate for this incredible community. Since moving here, I’ve poured my energy into helping build a stronger, more connected city. From our schools to our neighborhoods to our public spaces, I care deeply about the people and places that make Decatur special.
I currently serve on the Madison Avenue Derby Board, the City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and the Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary PTO Board. I’ve also served as co-President of the Oakhurst Elementary PTA and was elected to the School Leadership Team. No matter the role, I lead with heart, collaboration, and a focus on finding creative, effective solutions that bring people together and make a real difference.
My background is in marketing, events, and partnership development—skills I now use to support community engagement, clear communication, and thoughtful planning. Whether I’m leading a Girl Scout troop, coaching Girls on the Run, or helping organize citywide events, I believe in showing up, listening closely, and turning good ideas into real action.
As a native of Starkville, Mississippi, and a graduate of The University of Alabama, you’ll now find me around Decatur with my husband and two kids—running through our neighborhoods, cheering from the sidelines, or catching up with neighbors. I believe local leadership should reflect the energy, values, and voices of the people it serves—and I’m excited to keep showing up for Decatur.
I’d be honored to earn your support and your vote. Let’s keep building a Decatur we can all be proud of—together.
Serving Decatur: Civic & Community Involvement
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Board & Committee Member | 2021–Present | Decatur, GA
Support an all-volunteer community event that raises thousands annually for local nonprofits, strengthening neighborhood ties and civic giving. -
Board Member | 2022–Present | Decatur, GA
Appointed by the City Commission to help shape equitable parks and recreation programs and serve as a liaison between residents and city representatives. -
Board Member | 2022–Present | Decatur, GA
Serve in various leadership roles, including Co-President, Co-Vice-President, Sponsorship Chair, and Passive Fundraising Chair, to mobilize parent involvement, build partnerships, and support student and school needs through inclusive fundraising and community outreach. -
Board Member | 2020–2025 | Decatur, GA
Served in multiple leadership positions including Co-President, Passive Fundraising Chair, Game Center Chair, and Teacher Appreciation Chair to contribute to initiatives that deepened school-family-community collaboration, including teacher appreciation, fundraising, and enrichment programming. -
Elected Member | 2020–2022 | Decatur, GA
Represented families in school governance decisions focused on equity, academic outcomes, and community engagement. -
Council Member | 2022-23 | Decatur, GA
Participated in regular dialogue with the Superintendent to provide parent and school community feedback, helping shape district priorities with a focus on student well-being and inclusive engagement.
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Troop Leader | 2020–Present | Decatur, GA
Foster leadership, civic responsibility, and confidence in girls through hands-on learning, service projects, and mentorship. -
Volunteer Coach | Spring 2024 & 2025 | Decatur, GA
Encouraged girls to lead with purpose and strength, combining fitness with lessons on self-worth, teamwork, and community. -
Board Member | 2020–2022 | Decatur, GA
Led efforts to increase family involvement and early literacy, helping build a strong foundation for lifelong civic participation. -
City of Decatur | 2022
Completed a civic education program designed to empower residents with a deeper understanding of local government and how to engage effectively in community decision-making.
Why I’m Running
When I was a kid, I didn’t have a strong sense of community — that feeling of belonging, connection, and neighbors looking out for each other. When I came to Decatur, I found it.
Since moving here, I’ve been all in: listening, leading, showing up, and working alongside neighbors and city leaders to strengthen our community. At our core, Decatur’s inclusivity and diversity are what make our city so special. I’m running for City Commission to protect that spirit and ensure every resident — whether you’ve been here for decades or just arrived — feels connected, valued, and at home.
As our city grows, we face real challenges — rising housing costs, traffic, infrastructure needs, and safety concerns. But we also have opportunities to shape growth in a smart, responsible way. My priorities are clear: fostering a connected and inclusive community, supporting vibrant business districts and parks, ensuring safe streets and sidewalks, and strengthening our city’s infrastructure and sustainability.
I’m excited for what’s ahead and ready to do the work to help Decatur thrive in a way that lifts all of us up. My goal is simple: let’s keep building a city where every voice matters and every neighbor feels at home. I’d be so honored to earn your support and your vote.
Outside of spending time serving the Decatur community, you’ll find me laughing with friends and family, exploring new places, running through town, cheering from the sidelines, and soaking in all things Decatur!
