Representative Karla Drenner
HD 86 (D - Avondale Estates)
Karla Drenner, born in Charleston, West Virginia, has lived and studied in various regions throughout the United States. Along with her 2 children she has made her home in DeKalb County, Avondale Estates, and in addition to her duties in the General Assembly, she is an adjunct Professor at Devry University where she teaches Environmental Science, Principles of Ethics and Leadership and Motivation. Dr. Drenner is also the owner and President of an Environmental Safety and Health consulting firm. She has published a book entitled, One: The True Story of Politics, Prayer and the Power of One. Representative Drenner is also an accomplished marathoner.
First elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2000, Representative Drenner ran an issue driven campaign concentrating on education reform, environmental concerns and improving local neighborhoods. Upon election, she went right to work on those issues passing HB 393 which encourages citizens to practice carpooling by protecting carpool databases from public disclosure. As a result of the bill and efforts of the Clean Air Campaign, Georgia saw a 100 percent increase in the 1-87-RIDEFIND database.
Representative Drenner has served or serves on the following boards: Keep DeKalb beautiful, Emory Northlake Regional Hospital, Scottdale Childcare and Family Development Center, DeKalb County Greenspace Program and the Georgia Women’s Democratic Caucus. Karla was the recipient in 2001 and 2002 of the Georgia League of Conservation Voters, Environmental Leadership Award. She was also named in 2001 a “Diva” by Business-to-Business magazine.
Dr. Drenner is a member of several professional associations including the National Caucus of Environmental legislators, the Health Physics Society, the Air and Waste Management Association and the National Safety Council. She utilizes her experience to provide a voice for sensible and responsible environmental policy within her membership on the Natural Resources and Environment Committee. She is also an active member of the Health and Human Services and Industrial Relations Committees. In addition to environmental issues, Representative Drenner is an advocate against poverty and for education and human r