|
|
Capitol: 404.656.0202
FAX: 404.656.5644
District: 404.508.4128
District FAX: 404.964.7025
|
Representative
Georgia House of Representatives
Room 507-H Coverdell Legislative Office Building 18 Capitol Square, SW
Atlanta, GA 30334
District Office:
PO Box 348
Avondale Estates, GA 30002
|
| Elected: 2000 Next Election: 2026 | | DOB: 9/10/1961 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BioA native of Charleston, West Virginia, Karla has lived and studied in various regions throughout
the U.S. Karla earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Physics from West Virginia State College;
she received a Master of Business Administration from Fontbonne University; and a Master of
Science in Environmental Science from Southern Illinois University. She was awarded a PhD in
Public Policy Analysis and Administration from St. Louis University and completed her second
PhD curriculum in Occupational Safety & Health from LaSalle University.
She was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2000, where she is in her 11th term
sitting on seven legislative committees, including as Secretary of the Small Business
Development Committee. She also serves on the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications,
Natural Resources & Environment, Public and Community Health, Rules and Urban Affairs
committees, as well as the Special Committee on Resource Management. Also, she serves as the
chair of the DeKalb County House of Representatives legislative delegation.
Karla is also active in the policy process nationally, where she serves on the Policy Committee
for the National Foundation for Women Legislators. Recently she was selected to participate in a
two-year healthcare taskforce by the Conference of State Government. At the regional level she
serves on the Energy and Environmental Public Policy Committee of the Southern Legislative
Conference.
She has written several books entitled- "One- The True Story of Politics, Prayer, and the Power
of One" in which she shares her legislative experiences. Her most recent book, "Social
Jurisprudence in the Changing of Social Norms" identifies how government systems can assist
future generations in combating the harsh realities of inequities. Her text on the "Impacts of
Faith-Based Decision Making on the Individual Legislative Process" explores the legislative
process and the importance of bridging the divide with those who have divergent viewpoints on
issues. She has received over 30 awards and recognitions for service contributions to public,
private or nonprofit organizations.
Karla has continued her own personal development. In 2013, she was selected to attend a course
at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute at the University of Arkansas Center for Advancement of
Leadership Skills. In 2012, she was chosen as a "Toll Fellow" by the Council of State
Governments' National Leadership Center. Also, in 2012, she was chosen by the Institute for
Georgia's Environmental Leadership Program dedicated to building and sustaining a diverse
network of environmentally educated leaders in the state of Georgia.
|
