Meet GOA’s Good Friends
Senator Tyler Harper SENATE DISTRICT 7 Senator Tyler Harper, a Republican, was sworn in to serve the 7th Senate District on January 14, 2013. Senate District 7 includes Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Coffee, Irwin, Pierce and Ware counties along with portions of Charlton and Tift counties. Senator Harper is a lifelong resident of Irwin County. He is a product of Irwin County Schools, a graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Engineering (BSAE), and also holds an Associate of Science Degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Senator Harper is a small businessman and farmer. As an active community leader, Senator Harper is the President of the Ocilla Rotary Club and the treasurer of the Georgia Young Farmer’s Association. He served as a member of the University of Georgia College
of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Strategic Planning Committee and volunteer for the CAES Alumni Association. He is also a member of the Ben Hill-Irwin Joint Development Authority. Senator Harper serves as the ViceChairman of the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee. He also serves as a member of the Senate Natural Resources and Environment, Public Safety, and Retirement Committees. His past political experience involves working for US Senator Saxby Chambliss through a Congressional Fellowship, as well as serving as the County Campaign Chair for the election of Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black. Senator Harper is a member of Satilla Baptist Church and serves the church as a musician with his talents on the piano and guitar.
Representative Ellis Black HOUSE DISTRICT 174 Representative Ellis Black has served in the House of Representatives since January 8, 2001 and is now serving his fifth term as a member of the Georgia General Assembly. Representative Black is currently a member of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Appropriations, Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment and Ways and Means Committees. He also serves as Vice-Chairman of the Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee. Prior to his legislative service, he served as the Chairman for the Lowndes County Board of Education. Representative Black’s community involvement is extensive and includes active membership with many organizations. He has served on the Board of Directors for 10 | GEORGIA PETROLEUM MARKETER | FEBRUARY 2013
the Lowndes County Farm Bureau. He is a member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, the Brook’s County, Echols County, Lake Park and Lowndes County Historical Societies and a member of the Southeast Ag Coalition. Representative Black is also involved with the Brooks County Airport Authority and the Regional Development Authority. Upon graduating from Lowndes County High School, Representative Black attended the University of Georgia, where he earned his B.S.A. Representative Black is a long time farmer and is married to Aletha M. Black. The couple attends the Clyattville United Methodist Church.