Bottoms Names Transition Team
The Georgia governor-elect selected a group of business leaders and political figures to assist in forming her new administration.
By Leila Reynolds ·
Georgia governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms announced her transition team on Friday. The group consists of prominent business executives, civic leaders, and political figures who will assist in building her administration. This marks the first time a Democrat has won the state's top office since 1998.
The roster includes Arthur Blank, co-founder of Home Depot, and Rosalind Brewer, former CEO of Walgreens. Also named to the team are entertainment executive Tyler Perry, former gubernatorial nominee Jason Carter, and nonprofit leader Michelle Nunn. Delta executive Richard Cox and veteran executive Vicki Palmer are also part of the group.
The team features individuals with deep roots in Georgia. This includes former Democratic state chair Steve House, former Senate President Jason Carter, and former House Speaker Karen Carter. The list also contains former state senators and representatives who served in the 2000s.
Bottoms stated that the team is designed to ensure an orderly transfer of power. "We wanted a team that understands the decisions made, the approach we are, and the team that is there to transition everything, we will," Bottoms said. She emphasized the need for a group that could move quickly to address state challenges.
The transition team faces a complex political environment. Georgia Democrats currently control nearly every lever of state government. However, the party has not held the governor's mansion, the state Senate, or the state House since 2002. The team's task is to bridge the gap between the current leadership and Bottoms' incoming administration.
The group includes people who helped Bottoms from the back of her campaign. This includes former leaders who assisted in organizing local civic business and community efforts. "It is a community help from local business and civic leaders that will help us make a successful transition together, up to now," said Bottoms. The team will work to prepare for major decisions on key issues.
The transition team is expected to begin its work immediately. They will focus on reviewing state agencies and identifying key personnel. The team aims to have a functional government in place by the time Bottoms takes office. This process is critical for managing the state's budget and addressing pending legislation.
