Representative Karla Drenner

Party: Democratic

District: Georgia House District 85

Location: Avondale Estates, Georgia

Karla Drenner is a native of Charleston, West Virginia, who has become a historic figure in Georgia politics. She made history in 2000 as the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to any state legislature in the American South. Currently in her 13th term, she is Georgia's longest-serving out LGBTQ+ elected official.

Her district encompasses South DeKalb communities including Clarkston, Scottdale, and Belvedere Park. The district is nearly 80 percent Black and includes 27 Baptist churches. Drenner is a mother of twins and is known as a consensus builder focused on environment, education, equity, economic development, and energy innovation.

Education

Drenner holds an exceptionally distinguished academic record:

• Bachelor of Science in Health Physics from West Virginia State College
• Master of Business Administration from Fontbonne University
• Master of Science in Environmental Science from Southern Illinois University
• PhD in Public Policy Analysis and Administration from St. Louis University
• Second PhD in Occupational Safety & Health from LaSalle University
• 2011 alumna of Harvard University Kennedy School of Government's Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program

Political Experience

Drenner serves on multiple Georgia House committees:

• Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications
• Natural Resources & Environment
• Public and Community Health
• Rules
• Small Business Development
• Special Committee on Resource Management
• Urban Affairs

She chairs the DeKalb County House of Representatives legislative delegation. Beyond Georgia, she serves on the Policy Committee for the National Foundation for Women Legislators and participates in regional energy and environmental policy committees through the Southern Legislative Conference. She was selected to participate in a two-year healthcare taskforce by the Conference of State Government.

Drenner has authored 50 bills that have been signed into law and has received more than 30 awards and recognitions for service contributions from national, regional, and state entities. She also serves as a graduate professor for Purdue University Global in the public administration program and works as an environmental consultant.