| 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 Middle 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 including
three fine children.
Rick has been very active in his 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 with the University of Georgia College of
Agriculture. 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 loved the job, as each day, he helped
members of the community.
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 parts of Cherokee and Forsyth County and all of
Pickens County.
Rick currently serves as the Chairman of the House Transportation Committee. He also serves on
the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education, Agriculture & Consumer Affairs,
Education, Health, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Regulated Industries and Rules
committees. |