The Georgia Chamber’s Business Climate Committee examines policies related to strengthening and expanding Georgia’s business-friendly climate and competitive advantages. Broadly, the committee considers topics related to tax structure, pro-growth policies, and regulations such as maintaining right-to-work laws.
Chair: Burt Fealing, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Southwire
Vice Chair: David Childs, Director- Compliance Solutions, ADP
The committee analyzes and advocates on federal and state energy, conservation, water, and natural resource management issues. The committee actively responds to federal and state rulemaking proposals. The committee also works with members of the conservation community to promote endangered species and related policies, including the recent Constitutional Amendment 1, the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act.
Chair: Bryan Batson, Executive Vice President External Affairs & Chief External
and Public Affairs Officer, Southern Company Gas
Vice Chair: Aaron Mitchell, Vice President- Environmental Affairs, Georgia Power Company
Healthcare is not only a concern for businesses, but it is increasingly an economic development issue for communities. The Health and Wellness Committee has continued to build on the work of the Georgia Chamber’s Healthcare Access Study examining ways to expand access to quality healthcare and improve the way care is delivered to create better health outcomes.
Chair: Pace Halter, President & COO, W.C. Bradley Real Estate
Vice Chair: Venkat Krishnan, Managing Director, Advisory Services, KPMG, LLP
The capacity to innovate is quickly becoming the most important determinant of economic growth. The Innovation and Technology Committee focuses on emerging trends that impact businesses and communities and how to evolve to capitalize on these innovations and advancements.
Chair: Deron Hicks, Vice President- Government Relations, Global Payments
Vice Chair: Terreta Rogers, Head of Community Affairs, Atlanta Region, Amazon.com, Inc.
Originally concentrated on tort reform and judicial nominations, the Law and Judiciary Committee has expanded its focus and efforts to include its amicus brief program, engaging in judicial races, and promoting fair legal policy in Georgia.
Chair: Tracy Baker, Associate Vice President & General Counsel, Litigation, Wellstar Health System
Vice Chair: Burleigh Singleton, Managing Partner, Atlanta Office, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
The Talent and Leadership Committee focuses on policies and initiatives that address talent and workforce challenges that are being seen across the state as the economy evolves and explores innovative ways to address those issues.
Chair: Sharon Goodwine, Chief Human Resources Officer, Synovus
Vice Chair: Patrick Rickard, AVP Human Resources, Norfolk Southern Corporation
