Representative Mark Burkhalter
HD 50 (R - Johns Creek)
SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE
MARK BURKHALTER
GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mark Burkhalter was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up in Alpharetta, Georgia, Mark graduated from Milton High School and earned two degrees from the University of Georgia, a B.A. in Political Science (Global Studies) and one in Germanic and Slavic Languages. Mark began his political career serving as President of the International Relations Club at the University of Georgia and as Chair of UGA’s Model United Nations Delegation led it to back to back national titles.
Following graduation Mark worked for two Georgia Congressmen at the U.S. Capitol. Returning to his native Georgia, Mark established his own real estate management and development company, Burkhalter Realty, which he continues to own and operate.
First elected to the Georgia State Legislature at age 31, Mark is serving his eighth term in the State House of Representatives from the metro Atlanta suburb of North Fulton County. Mark won his first election in a four candidate primary with 69% of the vote. In 2003, Governor Sonny Perdue citing Mark’s “vision and determination” named him Administration Floor Leader in the House of Representatives where he became the first Republican to author the state budget since reconstruction. Representative Burkhalter played a key role in gaining Republican control of the House in the November 2004 elections. In 2005, he was elected with bipartisan support of his colleagues to serve as the first Republican in 134 years to Speaker Pro Tempore, the second ranking position in the Georgia House of Representatives. By virtue of his position, Mark serves as ex-officio member on all standing committees in the House of Representatives and as one of three House conferees on all state budgets.
Mark has received numerous awards for his service and dedication, including the prestigious “Friend of Public Education Award”. Mark has effectively passed numerous laws on issues about which he is concerned including the environment, education, child-safety, medical benefits, roads and transportation.
January 26, 2007