Elizabeth Awbrey oversees a $4.6 million department and 21 employees responsible for the people who keep Sandy Springs running. On Tuesday, July 28, the Public Sector HR Association profiled her in its national "Stories of Impact" series, featuring the self-described "government nerd" alongside public-sector HR professionals from local, state, and federal government.

Awbrey serves as director of human resources and risk management for the city, a role that puts her department in charge of recruiting, benefits, and insurance for city staff and public safety personnel. According to the city's FY2026 approved budget, roughly 48 percent of Sandy Springs' $159 million general fund, about $75 million, goes to employee pay and benefits.

The scope matters to residents.

Her path to City Hall wound through law and corporate human resources before she entered the public sector. The City of Johns Creek hired Awbrey as its HR director in late 2021 after more than 20 years of experience, most recently at the Cherokee Town and Country Club. Johns Creek City Manager Ed Densmore said in January 2022, when the hire was announced, that "her skill set and experience, combined with her people-centered approach will serve our employees and the community well."

She later moved to Sandy Springs, where she now leads a team that includes Anissa Clark, Nelson Saldana, and Justin Hedderman. In a LinkedIn post honoring HR Professionals Day, Awbrey thanked Clark "for keeping the team running every day" and praised Saldana for his institutional knowledge of the city.

The budget numbers underscore the weight of her portfolio. At the city council's June 17 budget adoption meeting, Awbrey introduced the city's insurance consultant, Partners Risk Services, to discuss rising costs, according to Appen Media's coverage. Council members approved a 27 percent year-over-year increase in general liability insurance and a 20 percent jump in employee health insurance, now projected at $10.8 million.

Awbrey holds three professional certifications: SHRM-SCP, PSHRA-SCP, and SPHR. The PSHRA profile was timed to the association's 120th anniversary year, which has featured public-sector professionals from governments nationwide.