InTucker Magazine

Lady of Firsts -August 2021

Some people when they start a new job – especially a high-profile one – suffer from the new job jitters. Robyn Crittenden’s not one of those people.

“I don’t think it’s ever easy to start a new job with all those things to learn,” the 14-year Tucker resident explained, “but I think my experience in state government and the fact that I’m an attorney, as well…I’m well-equipped for it.”

Crittenden was recently tapped to serve as the Commissioner of Georgia’s Department of Revenue, overseeing a department that is charged with administering tax laws in the State. She had been heading up Georgia’s Department of Human Services, but Governor Brian Kemp had other plans for her. The governor, in a press release earlier this summer, lauded Crittenden saying he wants her for this job because she “brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will allow Georgia to remain a leader in combating wasteful spending, streamlining government, keeping Georgia the top state for business, and creating new opportunities for hardworking Georgians.”

Crittenden’s resume is an impressive one. A native of Long Island, New York, she attended Yale University as an undergraduate and then got her law degree from the University of Michigan. After spending her entire young life up north, it was at that point she decided to come south.

“I came here because I saw a lot of opportunities here and I saw a lot of opportunities for African-Americans here in Atlanta,” she recalled. “I love it here in Georgia. I think that it is a great place to live, a great place to raise a family, a great place to work, and it’s certainly been that for me. I wouldn’t imagine being any place else.”

Once here, Crittenden established herself in state government, working for the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, as well as the Georgia Student Finance Commission. More recently, she made local and national headlines in 2018 when Governor Nathan Deal appointed her as Georgia’s 28th Secretary of State. With her current position, however, Crittenden is making history by becoming the first African-American to lead the Georgia Department of Revenue.

“It means a great deal to me to be able to open doors and to show others that there are opportunities for African-Americans to do things,” Crittenden shared. “I feel like each time an African-American or any first…does get an opportunity, it lets other people know that the door is open for other people who work hard and want to have opportunities to be able to grow.”

While she’s made history with her appointment, Crittenden knows that now the hard work begins. She takes over a department that saw its former commissioner step down in June to launch a congressional bid. It was then run on an interim basis until she was tapped for the permanent position. Although new on the job, Crittenden has a definite vision for what she wants to accomplish.

“I want us to be known for providing excellent customer service, treating all taxpayers and license holders equitably and consistently,” she said. “I want us to have top notch technology in place and to always be open to and always improving.”

After busy days leading the Department of Revenue, this rising star will continue to return to the comfort of home. Here in Tucker.

“I think Tucker is just a great place,” Crittenden shared. “I’ve been so pleased the last [few] years to see it growing and all the new businesses and community offerings in the area. It reminds me very much of the community that I grew up in on Long Island. It has really a hometown feel to it and I think it’s a special place to live.” 

 You can get more information on the Georgia Department of Revenue at www.dor.georgia.gov.