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
Chair:
Mike Giles, Georgia Poultry Federation
Vice Chair:
Sarah R. Stephens, PruittHealth
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:
Marisa Simpson, Atlanta Gas Light
Vice Chair:
Lauren Fralick, Fralick Bozeman
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:
Mark Middleton, Middleton Public Affairs
The Georgia Chamber advocates for policies that maintain a fair and predictable tax environment to help our state attract continued investment and growth.
Education
Chair:
Brandon Hembree, Impact Public Affairs LLC
Vice Chair:
Stephanie Kindregan, UnitedHealth Group
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.
Environment & Energy
Chair:
Sally Kilpatrick, Cornerstone Government Affairs
Vice Chair:
Ashley Jenkins, Gas South
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:
Will Bentley, Georgia Agribusiness Council
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:
Julie Windom, Atrium Health Navicent
Vice Chair:
Caroline Womack, Capitol Partners Public Affairs Group
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.
Our Team at the Capitol
Have a question about our advocacy initiatives? Contact a member of our Government Affairs Team.
