Background: Attorney; newspaper reporter; state representative.

Why I got into public service: My father was always involved in public service (city council, mayor, state legislator) and I saw this as an honorable and enjoyable means of helping people.

Guiding Value: Responsibility. I have a responsibility to lead in progressive directions; a responsibility to care about those whose lives are affected by my agency; a responsibility to act on the opportunities I have to make life and business better in Georgia.

#1 Rule of Politics: The "do-right" rule: Do the right thing, no matter how hard or unpopular, and you can sleep well at night.

First Job: Attendant at a garden center/nursery.