Senator Freddie Powell Sims

Freddie Powell Sims is a Democratic state senator from Dawson, Georgia, representing Georgia's 12th Senate District. Born November 1, 1950, she is a retired middle school principal and holds a Doctor of Educational Leadership degree. Dr. Sims is a devout Baptist and is married to Norman Sims, with whom she has three daughters. She has been actively involved in her community through organizations including Kiwanis International and the Fort Valley State University Foundation Board.

Political Experience

Senator Sims began her legislative career in the Georgia State House of Representatives, serving from 2005 to 2008. She was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2008 and has represented the 12th Senatorial District, which encompasses 13 counties in southwest Georgia: Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Dougherty, Early, Miller, Mitchell, Quitman, Randolph, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell, and Webster counties.

Within the Senate, she serves as Secretary of the Education & Youth Committee and is a member of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Appropriations, Interstate Cooperation, and Natural Resources and the Environment committees. She has also served on numerous special commissions and committees appointed by governors, including the Medical Cannabis Oversight Commission, the Education Commission of the State of Georgia, and the Governor's Office of Student Achievement.

Notable Achievements

Senator Sims' legislative accomplishments include:

• Establishment of College and Career Academies in Dougherty, Mitchell, and Sumter counties
• Advocacy to reopen and fully staff the Terrell County Detention Center
• Development of protocols for dual enrollment students statewide
• Securing appropriations for Albany State University's Fine Arts Center and Georgia Southwestern State University's Center for Excellence
• Funding for I-Pads for students in Dougherty, Quitman, and Clay counties
• Cash infusion for the Heart of Georgia Railroads

She received the 2008 Outstanding Legislator of the Year award for technical and adult education.