| Rick grew up in Kingsport Tennessee. Upon graduation from The University of
Georgia's College of Agriculture with a degree in Food Science, Rick started work as the
Assistant County Agent in Bartow County in 1980. He stayed there for a few years, wisely
married Marcia Rowlett, and then went to Bleckley County in South Georgia to further his
experience in agriculture. Pickens County was their final stop and has been their home since
1983. Rick and Marcia live on a small farm, and over the years have grown a little bit of
everything.
Rick has been very active in our community over the years. He has served on various
boards and clubs. He has been on the Mountain Conservation Trust Board, Chattahoochee
Technical College Board, and Appalachian Cattlemen's Association. He was a long-time
member of the Jasper Lion's Club and now a member of the Jasper Rotary Club. He was
President and game announcer of the Pickens High School Tip-Off Club. He has cooked pork
and chicken BBQ for many organizations and events to raise money for charity. He coached little
league baseball for years with some great parents. Rick and his family had a small landscaping
business for a number of years.
Rick's relationship with God has always been an important part of his life. Christian
principles are an important part of his everyday approach to life and to making decisions. It is the
basis of his enthusiasm to display a servant-leadership approach to public office just like he has
in work, family, and in community activities.
Rick retired in 2009 after 29 years as a County Agent. Budget reductions at the
University put a few of the older employees out to pasture. As an educator with the University of
Georgia College of Agriculture and Pickens County, his role was to teach, inform, and empower
folks.
Rick entered a new world of service in 2010 when he was elected to be the State
Representative for what is now the 11th District, which is part of Gordon County, part of Murray
County, and all of Pickens.
Rick currently serves as the Chairman of the Education Committee, Secretary of Rules,
and as a member on the following House Committees- Agricultural and Consumer Affairs,
Appropriations, Health & Human Services, Higher Education, Human Relations & Aging, Public
Safety & Homeland Security, and Regulated Industries. |