Government Affairs Council

With a membership of nearly 500 government relations professionals from every industry in the state, the Georgia Chamber’s Government Affairs Council serves as the unified voice of the business community at the Capitol.

About the GAC

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Council is the only body of its kind in the nation. Representing members from every industry in every corner of the state, the Government Affairs Council and its members strive to achieve the policy objectives of Georgia’s business community.

Benefits

Benefits of joining the GAC include networking with lobbyists and legislators at GAC signature events, participating in a coalition dedicated to advancing pro-business principles and opportunities in Georgia, staying abreast of a wide range of issues during the legislative session, and much more!

Process

The GAC process works similarly to committees in the Georgia General Assembly. As issues arise throughout the legislative session, they are assigned to one of the GAC’s nine standing committees - Business & Industry, Politics & Compliance, Economic Development & Taxation, Education, Environment & Energy, Federal Affairs, Health & Wellness, Law & Judiciary, and Transportation - for review and subsequent recommendations to the GAC Executive Committee. Guided by the Georgia Chamber's adopted policy positions, a motion to support or oppose is then made to the full GAC.

Membership

All Georgia Chamber members are eligible to participate in the Government Affairs Council. Those investing below the Cornerstone level must remit an annual dues payment, or Chamber PAC contribution in the amount of $500.00 to participate in the GAC. If you're interested in becoming a member of the GAC, please contact Sara Camuso at scamuso@gachamber.com today!

Standing Committees

The Government Affairs Council has nine standing committees that advocate on behalf of Georgia’s industry interests.

Business, Industry & Manufacturing

Chair: 
Mike Giles, Georgia Poultry Federation
Vice Chair: 
Conner Poe, Norfolk Southern Corporation
Georgia has held the designation as the  ‘No.1 place for business’ for ten consecutive years. The Georgia Chamber advocates for policies that provide the tools and resources needed to support companies across the state by maintaining our friendly business environment.

Politics & Compliance

Chair: 
Lauren Fralick, Fralick Bozeman Public Affairs
Vice Chair: 
Stephanie Kindregan, United Health Group
The GAC Politics and Compliance Committee plays a vital role in safeguarding our democratic processes and supporting economic prosperity. This committee works on issues that ensure our political landscape remains conducive to growth and stability.

Economic Development & Taxation

Chair: 
Sam Hill, Georgia Power Company
Vice Chair: 
Christy Ellerbee, Global Payments
The Georgia Chamber advocates for policies that maintain a fair and predictable tax environment to help our state attract continued investment and growth.

Education & Workforce

Chair: 
Brandon Hembree, Impact Public Affairs LLC
Vice Chair: 
George Ray, Nelson Mullins
Georgia is leading the way in developing the workforce of the future. The Georgia Chamber advocates for the advancement of educational opportunities and processes to better understand the growth and needs of our state’s workforce.

Agriculture, Environment & Energy

Chair: 
Sally Kilpatrick, Cornerstone Government Affairs
Vice Chair: 
Will Bentley, Georgia Agribusiness Council
The Georgia Chamber advocates for policies and regulations that ensure our state has clean, reliable, and affordable energy for decades to come, securing our state’s future economic and environmental health.

Federal Affairs

Chair: 
Jason Bragg, Georgia EMC
Vice Chair: 
Ashley Jenkins, Gas South
The Georgia Chamber advocates for federal policies that maintain a fair and consistent business environment both here in Georgia and throughout the country.

Health & Wellness

Chair: 
Caroline Womack, Capitol Partners Public Affairs Group
Vice Chair: 
Shea Smith, Oglethorpe Power Company
The Georgia Chamber advocates for policy and legislation that provides increased flexibility for federal agencies to improve healthcare access through innovative plans for the state.

Law & Judiciary

Chair: 
Ragen Marsh, Troutman Pepper Strategies
Vice Chair: 
Chris Carpenter, Cornerstone Government Affairs
Georgia’s judiciary system is a vital component of what makes the state an attractive place to live and work. The Georgia Chamber advocates for policies and reforms that ensure fair and equitable outcomes for the businesses and citizens of Georgia.

Transportation

Chair: 
Michael “Sully” Sullivan, American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia
Vice Chair: 
Ben Jordan, Georgia Automobile Dealers Association
The Georgia Chamber works closely with our affiliate, the Georgia Transportation Alliance, to advocate for policies that support long-term solutions related to economic development, traffic congestion, safety, and our fast-growing logistics industry.

Innovation & Technology

Chair: 
Elizabeth Reynolds, AT&T
Vice Chair: 
Katie Childers, Delta Airlines
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Our Team at the Capitol

Have a question about our advocacy initiatives? Contact a member of our Government Affairs Team.

David Raynor

Chief Public Affairs Officer
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Nancy Palmer

Senior Vice President for Public Affairs
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Katie Duvall

Director of Government Affairs
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Cosby Johnson

Director of Government Affairs
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Sara Camuso

Public Affairs Coordinator
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Learn More About the Government Affairs Council

Contact Us

Sara Camuso

Public Affairs Coordinator

Join the Government Affairs Council

Join the GAC to become part of Georgia’s largest and most influential business advocacy organization.
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