November 01, 2016
Carr Officially Sworn In As 54th Attorney General Of Georgia
ATLANTA, GA- Today, Chris Carr was officially sworn in by Governor Nathan Deal as Georgia’s 54th Attorney General.
“Chris’ experience as an attorney, job creator and public servant make him the ideal candidate to fill the role of Georgia’s Attorney General,” Deal said. “He is a leader with common sense, brilliant intellect and a wide range of experiences at the global, federal and state levels. That perspective will allow Chris to support and defend the laws of Georgia and the interests of our people. This role is a hybrid one of attorney, manager and public servant, and Chris is well qualified for it.”
Carr was appointed by Deal to fill a vacancy created by the departure of former Attorney General Sam Olens, who transitioned into the role of President of Kennesaw State University. Carr will serve out the two years that are remaining on Olens’ term. In 2018, Carr will be eligible to seek election to a full four-year term.
“I have spent the majority of my life dutifully and honorably serving to progress and protect public interest, and I am humbled that Gov. Deal has placed his confidence in me to do this job,” Carr said. “As the leader of the Department of Law, I will work with the entrusted staff at the Department to provide legal representation of the highest quality to the agencies, officers and employees of state government and make certain our Department continues to have a reputation of dependability, honesty and integrity with the citizens of the great state of Georgia. The seriousness of this work requires focus on a smooth transition and a readiness to tackle our state's challenges and opportunities—and that's what Georgians should expect to see from me.”
Deal appointed Carr in 2013 to lead the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), the state agency charged with helping to create jobs and generate investment in Georgia. During Carr's three-year tenure at GDEcD, the state of Georgia was recognized as the top state in the nation in which to do business for three consecutive years by Site Selection and Area Development. In addition, GDEcD helped facilitate 1,069 projects across the state that represent approximately $14.4 billion in investment and the creation of more than 84,000 jobs. In 2015, GDEcD was recognized as the top economic development agency in the country.
Carr serves on the Judicial Nominating Commission, the body charged with reviewing and recommending judicial appointments, since January 2011. To date, the Commission has filled more than 100 judicial vacancies statewide.
About Attorney General Chris Carr
Prior to joining GDEcD, Carr was the Chief of Staff for U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson for six years. Carr began his career with Georgia-Pacific, moving on to practice law with Alston & Bird LLP and then serving as Vice President and General Counsel for the Georgia Public Policy Foundation. Carr graduated from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and Lumpkin School of Law. Carr and his wife Joan have two daughters. To read Carr’s full bio, please click here.