Georgia DDS Commissioner Welcomes Melissa W. Free to Board
On Jan. 22, 2026, Georgia Department of Driver Services Commissioner Angelique B. McClendon welcomed Melissa W. Free as the newest member of the nine-member DDS Board of Directors. The board provides oversight and sets policy for the agency that issues driver’s licenses and identification cards across the state. In a news release, Commissioner McClendon highlighted Free’s 17-year career at Georgia Power and her reputation as a collaborative leader. “Melissa brings a wealth of experience in corporate governance, real estate and community engagement that will be invaluable as we modernize our services and continue to prepare for federal REAL ID enforcement,” McClendon said.
Free joined Georgia Power in 1993 and eventually served as assistant corporate secretary of the utility’s parent company, Southern Company. In that role she directed the corporate real estate research and analysis team and oversaw a complex portfolio of properties and contracts. She is also known for spearheading the company’s philanthropic initiatives and championing diversity within the workforce. In 2005 she co‑founded Prism, Southern Company’s first employee resource group to support LGBTQ+ employees and their allies. Under her leadership the group expanded to multiple states and won national recognition for its workplace inclusion programs. She has also served on the board of directors of Goodwill of North Georgia and volunteered with the American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Commissioner McClendon said that Free’s commitment to service and her ability to build partnerships will help the DDS board guide the agency through several challenges, including the continuing rollout of self‑service kiosks and mobile licensing technology. The board is also focused on meeting federal Real ID requirements ahead of the May 2025 travel deadline, expanding customer appointment availability and improving rural licensing facilities. Free said she is honored to join the board and looks forward to helping Georgians “take advantage of new technology and safer, more secure credentials.” She noted that her work at Georgia Power taught her the importance of listening to customers and front-line employees when designing programs and policies.
The Georgia DDS board meets regularly to adopt rules, review financial statements and hear from constituents. Members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. Free’s appointment fills a vacancy on the board and her term will run through 2030. With her addition, the board gains a leader with deep experience in strategic planning and community outreach. Georgians will see the results of this collaboration as the agency continues to roll out enhanced security features, reduce wait times and ensure that every resident has access to the driver’s license or identification card they need.