07 LC 96
2025
Senate
Resolution 101
By:
Senators Pearson of the 51st, Mullis of the 53rd, Rogers of the 21st, Schaefer
of the 50th, Murphy of the 27th and others
A
RESOLUTION
Recognizing
and commending the extraordinary career of Mr. Craig Lesser on the occasion of
his retirement as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic
Development; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
Mr. Craig Lesser has played an instrumental role in the growth and
diversification of commerce in the State of Georgia through his inspirational
leadership, diligent service, and conscientious management; and
WHEREAS,
he is a graduate of the State University of New York College at Oneonta and the
Advanced Management Program at Harvard University's Graduate School of Business;
and
WHEREAS,
Mr. Lesser was appointed to the Georgia Department of Economic Development by
Governor Sonny Perdue in 2004, whereupon he led efforts to recruit new
businesses to Georgia from around the nation and internationally;
and
WHEREAS,
his leadership was instrumental to such landmark accomplishments as the founding
of a KIA Motors Company assembly plant in LaGrange, Georgia, and the
establishment of the Georgia Tourism Foundation, a partnership fostering tourism
throughout the state; and
WHEREAS,
he supervised a number of state programs for small business and entrepreneurs
and facilitated efforts to market Georgia as an ideal destination spot for
filmmakers, the music industry, and multimedia companies; and
WHEREAS,
Mr. Lesser has previously served as Vice President of Government and Regulatory
Affairs for Georgia Power Company, President and CEO of Mirant New York, and
Senior Vice President of External Affairs for Mirant Americas; and
WHEREAS,
his present and previous affiliations include Board of Directors Chair for the
Georgia Centers of Innovation, the Georgia Tourism Foundation, Georgia Chamber
of Commerce, the OneGeorgia Authority, the Georgia Environmental Facilities
Authority and the Tech High Foundation, and Emory University´s Board of
Visitors; and
WHEREAS,
Mr. Lesser leaves the Georgia Department of Economic Development to accept a
critical leadership position for McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP, heading up the
firm's newly established International Public Affairs practice; and
WHEREAS,
McKenna Long & Aldridge is an international law firm of more than 400
lawyers and public policy advisors with offices in ten cities on two different
continents; and
WHEREAS,
Mr. Lesser is highly esteemed by his colleagues for his professional commitment
and magnanimous force of character; and
WHEREAS,
the State of Georgia is honored to have such a motivated and competent
individual as one of its citizens.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body join in
commending Mr. Craig Lesser for his outstanding career in public service,
congratulating him on his new appointment, and extending to him the best of
wishes for a golden tomorrow.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Mr. Craig Lesser.