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Sen. Matt Brass Joins British Consul General for Workforce Development Tour in Newnan

ATLANTA (May 23, 2025) — On Tuesday, May 20, Sen. Matt Brass (R–Newnan) joined British Consul General Rachel Galloway for a workforce development tour and roundtable discussion at the Central Educational Center (CEC) in Newnan. The visit, hosted by CEC CEO Mark Whitlock, highlighted the center’s nationally recognized model for preparing students for in-demand careers through academic and technical training. The tour offered an inside look at the center’s innovative programs–from dual enrollment to industry certification pathways–that have become a blueprint for workforce development across the state.

Consul General Galloway, who represents the United Kingdom in the Southeastern United States, visited CEC to learn more about Georgia’s workforce education strategies and explore potential opportunities for collaboration between the UK and Georgia. Her visit underscored the global relevance of the CEC model and the value of cross-cultural dialogue on education and economic growth.

Sen. Brass emphasized the importance of institutions like CEC in building a strong, skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of Georgia employers: “It was an honor to host British Consul General Rachel Galloway in Newnan and show her firsthand the workforce development happening in Senate District 6,” said Sen. Brass. “The Central Educational Center is a blueprint for how we train the next generation of Georgia’s workforce. From manufacturing to healthcare to film production, the CEC prepares students to compete and succeed in a global economy. I’m grateful to Consul General Galloway for visiting and recognizing the value of CEC’s programming. I also want to thank Mark Whitlock and his team for their continued leadership. The impact of CEC isn’t limited to Coweta County. It’s setting a standard that can benefit communities across Georgia and inspire ideas beyond our borders.”

Consul General Galloway added, “Workforce development is a key part of economic growth, which is why CEC’s work in partnering with local industry and building workforce programmes is essential in preparing students to enter the job market. The UK can learn from this expertise to support businesses and drive growth. As our new landmark economic deal with the US demonstrates, the UK and US can go further and faster together and that will happen through partnerships and knowledge sharing at all levels.”

The Central Educational Center continues to serve as a cornerstone of Georgia’s workforce development efforts, bridging the gap between classroom learning and career readiness. Attached is a full itinerary.

Itinerary – British Consul General VisitDownload

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Sen. Matt Brass serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules. Sen. Brass represents the 6th Senate District, which includes Coweta and Heard, as well as parts of Carroll County. He can be reached at (404) 656-0057 or by email at matt.brass@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Chuck Payne Appointed to Interim Committees and State Commissions

ATLANTA (May 22, 2025)—Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has appointed Sen. Chuck Payne (R–Dalton) to serve on the following committees and commissions:

  • Career and Technical Education Advisory Commission (Co-Chairperson)
  • Education Commission of the States
  • Georgia Commission on Civics Education
  • High School Athletics Overview Committee
  • Joint Georgia Hall of Fame Authority Overview Committee
  • Joint Recreational Authorities Overview Committee
  • Southern States Energy Board

Sen. Chuck Payne spoke on the appointments, saying, “I’m grateful to Lt. Governor Burt Jones for these appointments and for his trust in me to serve. Promoting education, advancing student athletics and supporting Georgia’s parks and recreational spaces are issues I look forward to seeing reflected through these committees and commissions. These are areas where thoughtful policy can make a difference in people’s lives, and I’m honored to continue this important work on behalf of my district and the people of Georgia.”

Each appointment is effective immediately and will extend for two years, aligning with the remainder of Sen. Payne’s term in the Georgia Senate.

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Sen. Chuck Payne serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security. He represents the 54th Senate District, which includes Whitfield and Murray County as well as part of Gordon County. He may be reached at 404.463.5402 or by email at Chuck.Payne@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Senator Jason Anavitarte Appointed to High School Athletics Overview Committee

ATLANTA (May 21, 2025) — Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) has been appointed by Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones to serve on the High School Athletics Overview Committee, a joint legislative body tasked with examining the operations and oversight of high school athletics in Georgia.

Originally established during the 2013–2014 biennium, the High School Athletics Overview Committee was created to promote transparency, accountability, and excellence in athletic programs across Georgia’s secondary schools. Sen. Anavitarte joins a bipartisan group of appointees whose mission is to ensure student-athletes are supported by fair policies and quality programs.

“It’s an honor to be appointed to this important committee,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “High school sports play a critical role in developing leadership, discipline, and teamwork in our young people. As a former local school board member and father of daughters who play high school sports, I understand how deeply these programs shape our students’ futures. I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen athletic opportunities and uphold high standards across all school districts.”

The committee, which includes members from both the House and Senate, is charged with monitoring athletic associations, reviewing policies impacting eligibility and recruitment and ensuring the equitable treatment of all student-athletes.

Senator Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth, will also serve as committee co-chair. Additional Senate appointees include Senators Emanuel Jones (D–Decatur), Randy Robertson (R–Cataula), Sonya Halpern (D–Atlanta), and Chuck Payne (R–Dalton).

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chairman of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents the 31st Senate District, which includes Polk County and a portion of Paulding County. He may be reached via email at Jason.Anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Matt Brass to Tour Central Education Center with British Consul General

ATLANTA (May 19, 2025)—On Tuesday, May 20, Senate Rules Chairman Matt Brass (R–Newnan) will participate in a tour of the Central Education Center (CEC) with British Consul General Rachel Galloway. The tour will take place at the CEC’s headquarters, where CEO Mark Whitlock will provide an overview of workforce development supporting industries throughout the State of Georgia.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
  • Time: 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
  • Where: 160 M.L.K. Jr. Drive, Newnan, GA 30263
  • This event is open to members of the media ONLY.

Biographies for British Consul General Rachel Galloway and CEC CEO Mark Whitlock can be found below.

Rachel Galloway – British Consul GeneralDownload
Mark Whitlock – BiographyDownload

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jantz Womack at SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Matt Brass serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules. Sen. Brass represents the 6th Senate District, which includes Coweta and Heard, as well as parts of Carroll County. He can be reached at (404) 656-0057 or by email at matt.brass@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.