Avondale Estates Lawmaker Completes Harvard Course

State Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) recently completed the senior executives in state and local government program at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

The three-week executive education program focused on the development of conceptual frameworks for addressing policy issues, explored the relationship between citizens and their government, and examined the ethical and professional responsibilities of leadership.

“Governments at all levels need to work together in order to effectively serve their citizens," Drenner said. "While we all recognize this simple concept, philosophical issues have plagued government cohesion and collaboration ever since our founders first took up the issues more than 200 years ago. 

"To move forward and serve Georgians in the best way possible, we must recognize that no one party or group has all of the answers, move past philosophical issues, and work together in a united effort to improve our state. This program provided me with the tools to help make that happen.”

Drenner was one of 55 participants from across the country to participate in the program. During the program, Drenner took 50 classes, including Leadership and Authority, Data Causation, Collaborative Governance, and Rural Democracy.

Drenner represents District 86, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2000, and currently serves on the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Health & Human Services, Natural Resources & Environment, and Rules committees.  She also serves on the Special Committee on Small Business Development and Job Creation.