Colonel Wright is the first Commissioner to hold every rank prior to his appointment. He served as the Deputy Commissioner and the Director of Field Operations.  He served as the South Adjutant of Georgia State Patrol Troops F, G, H, and I.  Prior to serving as South Adjutant, he served as the Troop I Commander from December 2015 to February 2019.  He also served as the Troop H Commander from December 2011 to December 2015. Prior to his appointment as Troop Commander, Colonel Wright moved up the ranks of the Georgia State Patrol in Reidsville, Valdosta, Jekyll Island, and Statesboro.

Colonel Wright began his career with the Georgia State Patrol as a Radio Operator in 1994 at Post 31, Valdosta.  He was selected to attend the 69th Georgia State Patrol Trooper School in 1994 and upon graduation in 1995 was assigned to Post 31, Valdosta.  He was also a member of the Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team.

He was selected by the Peace Officers Association of Georgia as the “Peace Officer of the Year in 1995.”  He was subsequently honored by the Safety Fire Commission, the Georgia House, and Senate with Resolutions for his selection.  He was selected by the Department to participate in the security detail for the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay as it traveled across the country. 

Colonel Wright holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Justice Studies from Georgia Southern University.  As a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College, he holds a master’s degree in public administration from Columbus State University.  In December 2012, he graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy, Session #251.

He is a native of Mitchell County and attended Pelham High School. He and Chad currently reside in Gilmer County.  They have one daughter, Lashley and two grandsons.

During his career he served in patrol posts in Northwest Georgia, several statewide assignments and at Department of Public Safety Headquarters. He was selected for the planning and command staffs for the 1988 Democratic Party National Convention in Atlanta, the 1996 Centennial Atlanta Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 2004 Sea Island G8 Summit of Economic Nations and two Super Bowls. After the September 11 Terror Attacks, he was a founding member of the Georgia Homeland Security Task Force with primary responsibility of vetting intelligence reports on possible threats to critical infrastructure in Georgia and providing interoperable public safety communications throughout Georgia and surrounding states.

Corky is a graduate of Georgia State University’s Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange program which conducts on-site studies of best practices of foreign law enforcement agencies. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and he is a graduate of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Command College program. He is also certified as a general instructor by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.

Corky is a past Chairman and Vice-chairman of the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Children’s Advocacy Center and he currently serves as Treasurer. He is an elected member and current Chairman of his local public school board and serves on the board of directors of numerous civic and charitable organizations in Northwest Georgia. After his retirement from full-time law enforcement, Corky has been employed by several private organizations as a law enforcement subject matter expert.

Travis began his professional journey with eight years of dedicated service in the United States military, specifically with the Security Forces Group. His duties took him from stateside assignments to critical postings in the Middle East, where he honed his expertise in security and operational leadership.

Following his military career, Travis joined the Georgia State Patrol, where he devoted 20 years of exemplary service. Rising through the ranks to attain the prestigious position of Post Commander, he played a pivotal role in enhancing law enforcement protocols and community safety. His leadership and commitment earned him respect and admiration within the organization and the wider community.

Transitioning to the private sector, Travis embarked on a new chapter as an entrepreneur, founding and operating a successful security agency. His business acumen and deep understanding of security dynamics enabled him to build a thriving enterprise that has become a cornerstone in the industry.

Travis also contributes his vast experience and passion for public service as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Public Safety Foundation. In this role, he is dedicated to preserving the rich legacy and historical achievements of the Georgia State Patrol, ensuring that the stories of past and present members are honored and remembered.

Travis’ career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and community, reflecting a life dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the safety and well-being of others.

As Branch Manager IV of Justice Federal Credit Union, Kenyetta oversees branch operations at multiple locations which includes the Georgia Department of Public Safety “Georgia State Patrol Headquarters” Branch in Atlanta, GA., and “GPSTC’’ Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, GA.

Throughout her career, Kenyetta has been dedicated to cultivating and building strong relationships within the Justice and law enforcement communities. Her passion for helping people align their financial products and services to achieve stability and work towards their future goals is evident in her work as a Certified Financial Counselor.

Kenyetta embodies the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People, and she takes great pleasure in assisting members in leading more enjoyable lives while working towards financial security. With her vast knowledge and expertise, she is committed to empowering individuals to attain a degree of financial stability and reach their full potential.

Her agency employs nearly 11,000 people with over 230 offices statewide for adult protective services, child protective services, child support enforcement, foster care, refugee resettlement, and public assistance programs. Prior to her appointment, Broce served in Governor Kemp's office in several roles: as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Deputy Executive Counsel, and Communications Director. She was Kemp's Press Secretary and legal counsel for elections and legislation when he was Georgia's Secretary of State.

Broce holds a bachelor's degree in management from the Georgia Institute of Technology and law degree with a health law certificate from Georgia State University. She is a licensed attorney in Georgia who primarily practices administrative, constitutional, child welfare, and health law.

Broce lives in Bartow County with her husband, Jason, and two sons where they raise livestock. She is Chairman of the Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Children Fund Commission and a member of several boards, including the Supreme Court of Georgia's Committee on Justice for Children, Executive Children's Cabinet, GRACE Commission, Behavioral Health Coordinating Council, Board of Community Supervision, and Georgia Public Safety Foundation. She is also a member of the Republican National Lawyers Association and Federalist Society.

He joined the department in January 2023 in this appointed role, demonstrating confidence in his alignment with the Chief's vision and his ability to drive operational success. In his position, he oversees key functions of Georgia’s largest police department, including H.R., fiscal, administration, and technology, among others.

Prior to his role in APD, Freeman served for almost 7 years as the Chief Operating Officer for the Atlanta Police Foundation, a nationally recognized non-profit organization that focuses on law enforcement advocacy, strategic planning, and research to support public safety in Atlanta. During his tenure, the organization achieved significant milestones, raising over $80 million for public safety programs in Atlanta.

Before his time at the Atlanta Police Foundation, Freeman had a successful entertainment career, which included working as a choreographer, performance coach, creative director, promoter representative, and talent manager. His work includes notable figures such as Aretha Franklin, Joan Rivers, The Beach Boys, Boston, and American Idol winner Candice Glover. Additionally, he played an essential role in events for the NFL, NBA, and MTV.

Evan Karanovich began his career with Chick-fil-A in 2016 and became the first administrative, communications, and strategic advisor for then Chick-fil-A's Chairman & CEO. Today, Evan serves as an encourager, advisor and influencer as he advances key initiatives across the company and within the larger enterprise efforts of Chick-fil-A's Chairman of the Board, Dan T. Cathy. First serving as a 14-year-old political campaign volunteer, Evan has served as a trusted policy, political and communications advisor to a variety of elected leaders including current and former governors, a U.S. Senator, a Commissioner of Agriculture, and numerous candidates. Now at Chick-fil-A, Evan is committed to serving as a provisionary leader as he influences and leads alongside of the visionary leadership from the Cathy Family.

Among the many projects, initiatives and scopes of responsibility, Evan manages and coordinates with non-core business ventures as well as all non-profit community partnerships; serves as designee various external non-profit boards, committees and cross-functional teams within Chick-fil-A; ensure proper management of scheduling, speaking, and internal/external requests; develops and executes key strategic communications for the Office of the Chairman including crises communications; partners with Chick-fil-A external communications/public relations, public affairs, government & regulatory affairs, global community engagement, and corporate social responsibility teams to ensure alignment of senior executive engagement.

A native of the Atlanta area, Evan obtained his bachelor's degree in political science from Georgia College & State University and his MBA from The University of Georgia. Evan is an Eagle Scout, a former volunteer firefighter, and active community member through his service and advocacy on numerous non-profit boards and foundations. He is also a commissioned officer in the United States Navy Reserve, currently serving as a public affairs officer assigned to U.S Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet (CNE-CNA/C6F) headquartered in Naples, Italy.

Randy’s journey with the Georgia State Patrol began in 1984 as a Radio Operator at Post #11-Hinesville. After completing an extensive and rigorous hiring process, he was selected in 1988 to attend the 63rd Georgia State Patrol Trooper School. Upon graduation, Randy was assigned to Post #28-Canton.

Randy was eager to lead and support his fellow troopers as a supervisor. He pursued advancement through the ranks and began participating in the promotional process. He achieved the rank of Corporal in 1998, Sergeant in 2001, and Sergeant First Class in 2003. In 2007, as a Sergeant First Class, he was appointed Executive Officer to Commanding Officer Major David Brack and served as an investigator in the Office of Professional Standards.

Randy was selected by the Bacon County Exchange Club as the “Peace Officer of the Year” in 1994. The Georgia State Patrol selected him to participate in coordinating the logistics and routes for the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay that traveled across the county.

Randy has served as past president of the Bacon County Exchange Club and the Blueberry Plantation Golf Club. He is currently an active member of the Bacon County Hospital Board.

Since retiring from the Georgia State Patrol in 2013, Randy has enjoyed successfully cultivating blueberries on his 100-acre farm. Randy has a passion for building racing kart engines, a craft he has perfected over the past 37 years. During this time, Randy has won the National World Karting Championship title in all kart classes. When he is not working on the farm or building machines built for speed, Randy enjoys playing golf all over the southeast.

Randy and his wife Sonja have been happily married for 31 years and they currently reside in Bacon County, Georgia.

Randy C. Martin has dedicated his life to public safety, community service, and his personal passions reflect his commitment to excellence in all facets of life.

Charles Olson is a small business owner and experienced hospitality professional based in Macon, Georgia. He owns and operates Macon’s only AAA Four Diamond property, the 1842 Inn. He brings a strong background in entrepreneurship, media sales, and nonprofit development to his role on the Georgia Public Safety Foundation Board. In addition to this position, Charles currently serves on the boards of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Middle Georgia State University Foundation, Navicent Health Foundation, and United Way of Central Georgia. He previously served on the board of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce. As the operator of a successful bed and breakfast known for hosting community events and supporting first responders, Charles is passionate about public service, civic engagement, and strengthening the institutions that serve Georgia’s communities.

Mr. Rich is also the founder of a new non-profit, A Safer City 501c3, which donates free security services and products to select neighborhoods and schools to help combat crime-related issues. He is a social entrepreneur that aligns his business ventures with helping society and uplifting and building up others.

Chris has over 15 years of senior corporate experience across private and public Fortune 100 & 500 companies, as well as the federal government. Mr. Rich is a trained executive protection agent and received his training from one of the top executive protection schools in the country. Mr. Rich is also a Georgia State licensed private investigator. Chris has worked on teams that have protected notable people ranging from senators, the United States Secretary of Agriculture, celebrities, and Presidential family members, to name a few. Mr. Rich has also collaborated on protection details with the secret service, USDA EP teams, and other law enforcement agencies. He most recently completed an executive leadership training which was provided by The Ritz Carlton around their Gold Standard and Brand.

Before joining Mercer, Chris had a 10-year tenure at Humana, where he held a variety of senior positions in Medicare, Corporate Real Estate, and Mergers & Acquisitions. Most notably, Chris managed executive leadership relationships with Humana and led several large acquisition integrations (10,000+ employees, 50+ locations nationally). Chris is passionate about community involvement and has been involved with several national and local nonprofits including Susan G. Komen, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the American Cancer Association, and the American Heart Association. Most notably, he has held board positions with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the CURE Foundation.

Chris has shared his powerful insight on the security industry as well as on innovative, community-based solutions to address crime in outlets and venues across the nation. He was recently featured in Forbes, FOX 5, CBS 46 and Hypepotamus. Mr. Rich spoke on the panel for the Georgia Tech Smart City Conference and won the Atlanta Business Chronicles 2023 & 2024 Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter award for the fastest growing company, privately owned. He recently was awarded the Civil & Human Rights Award from Teach US Justice for his efforts to help make undeserved communities safer as well as the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council Supplier of the year award. He is a 2024 Leadership Atlanta graduate and also sits on Department of Safety (State Trooper) Board as well as the Sandy Springs Police Foundation and a member of the Buckhead Coalition.

Mr. Rich is also a Atlanta Visitors and Convention Board member and spends his free time with his wife and 8-yearold daughter that attends Westminster

In his senior role, Rudy oversees the growth agenda for the region and the strategic direction for hiring talent and enhancing business results. He leads by example and develops a culture of inclusion that empowers his team to make a positive impact. A Tennessee native, Rudy has deep roots in the area, and he plays an active and visible role in expanding the firm’s presence in the community. He acts as a conduit to the strengths of J.P. Morgan, removing obstacles and facilitating access for team members and clients alike.

With more than two decades of industry experience, Rudy spent the last five years at J.P. Morgan as a Banker and Market Team Lead in Chicago. Previously, he was a Vice President in the Private Bank at Credit Suisse, Wells Fargo and Alliance Bernstein.

Rudy is invested in the growth and education within the black community relative to investing and wealth planning. He is involved with J.P. Morgan’s Advancing Black Pathways and is a member of BOLD, two programs that help chart more robust paths toward economic success. He is a mentor with the Rising Black Talent Program and is part of the Private Bank’s leadership team for the Black Wealth Initiative.

Rudy was a scholarship athlete on the Division I football team at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, earning a B.A. in Communications with a focus on Economics. He maintains a strong relationship with his alma mater and is heavily involved in mentoring current members of the winningest program in college football history.

Involved in the community, Rudy is a member of the board of directors of Cara Chicago, an organization dedicated to uplifting people and communities to achieve real and lasting improvement.

Rudy and his wife, Yolanda Lippert—a fellow Wolverine—reside with their sons, Rufus III and Christopher, in the Buckhead section of Atlanta.

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In this role, he helps lead the state agency that oversees Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids, the State Health Benefit Plan, the Healthcare Facility Regulation Division, the Office of Health Planning, the State Office of Rural Health, among other divisions and offices.

Grant has previously served in a number of government and external affairs roles. He previously served as Director of the Governor’s Office of Health Strategy and Coordination, Director of State Relations at the University of Georgia, Legislative Liaison and Policy Advisor to Governor Brian Kemp, where he advised the Governor on issues related to education, higher education, workforce development, retirement, regulated industries, telecommunications, and energy and utilities. He also previously served as Government Affairs Manager at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and as Special Assistant to Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp.

Grant currently serves on Mount Pisgah Christian School's Board of Trustees, Advancement Committee, and serves as the Chairman of the Spiritual Life Committee. He also currently serves as a member of the UGA Terry College of Business Young Alumni Board and a Board Trustee for the Georgia Council on Economic Education. For the State of Georgia, Grant currently serves as a member of the Georgia Opioid Settlement Advisory Commission and the Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Children Fund Commission. He was also appointed by Governor Kemp in 2019 to serve on the State of Georgia's Citizens Review Committee which led efforts to conduct a review of the state's K-12 Mathematics Standards. He is also a past Chairman of the Alumni Board of Directors for the University of Georgia's School of Public and International Affairs.

Grant earned both his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with Honors and Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Georgia.

Holt’s law enforcement career, which spans more that 40 years, gives her experience and institution knowledge that is valuable to the foundation’s mission and purpose. In 2017 Holt created the website for the online store to sell memorabilia and merchandise to promote fund-raising for the scholarships and benevolence efforts of the GPSF (formerly the DPS Historical Society), as well as preserving the history of the DPS.

After Holt retired as a Special Agent in Charge from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in 2004, she worked as a consultant for various public and private entities, then as the Director of the Office of Professional Standards for the Georgia DPS for 10 years.

Marc H. Balizer is a Managing Director at BlackRock. Marc co-heads the BlackRock Atlanta Office, leading the office, promoting the 'One BlackRock' culture, and engaging with the local community. Additionally, he is a senior leader in Aladdin business, which offers the firm’s risk and investment management platform to external clients. Marc is a member of the Aladdin COO team focused on employee engagement, culture and talent strategy.

Previously, Marc was integral to the Aladdin Client Engagement Team, overseeing the firm's client relationships within the Aladdin business. He spearheaded the Aladdin Provider Team, aiming to create a more integrated investment management lifecycle by enhancing the operating model between asset managers and asset servicers.

Marc's journey with BlackRock began in 1998 as an Analyst in the Data Integrity Group. He later contributed to the Portfolio Analytics Group, producing daily risk reports for BlackRock. In 2000, he transitioned to the Aladdin Relationship Management Group, playing a key role in implementing Aladdin for its first external client and leading numerous successful client relationships across banking, asset management, and insurance sectors.

Before his tenure at BlackRock, Marc gained valuable experience in the White House, within the Clinton Administration, contributing to the Communications Department and the Office of Legislative Affairs. Residing in Atlanta with his wife, Heather, and their twin sons, Jacob and Sam, Marc is deeply involved in the community. He serves on several boards, including the Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) Executive Board, Rotary Club of Atlanta, Atlanta Police Foundation, Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Technology Association of Georgia, The Alliance Theater, The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and the SWIFT School for Dyslexic Students. He is also a member of the Leadership Atlanta class of 2024.

Marc holds a BS degree in Consumer Economics from the University of Delaware, earned in 1997.