Governor Sonny Perdue
Sonny Perdue was sworn in as Georgia's 81st Governor on January 13, 2003. Before taking office, Perdue proudly served as an officer in the United States Air Force, businessman, Sunday School teacher, State Senator and President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate.
Sonny was born on December 20, 1946, in Perry, Georgia, to a lifelong farmer and a classroom teacher. He earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1971 from the University of Georgia. Prior to being admitted to veterinary school, he played football at UGA as a walk on. While still in school he volunteered to serve his country in the United States Air Force.
Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1974 with the rank of Captain and a brief tenure as a practicing veterinarian in Raleigh, North Carolina, Perdue returned to his native Georgia and became a successful small-business owner concentrating in agribusiness and transportation.
After serving on the Houston County Planning and Zoning Board during 1980's, Sonny began his legislative career, spending the next 11 years representing the people of Houston, Bibb, Bleckley, and Pulaski Counties in the Georgia State Senate. After only four years, Perdue was selected by his peers to the office of Majority Leader. Then, in 1997, Democratic and Republican Senators elected him President Pro Tempore.
Governor Perdue has focused the efforts of his administration to improving education, creating quality jobs for Georgians and increasing resources for stronger, safer communities. The Governor set a clear goal of changing the culture of state government to be principle-centered, results-driven and customer-focused using a simple formula with two ingredients: customer service and leadership.
For all of his success in business and public service, he is proudest to hold the offices of devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. Sonny is married to the former Mary Ruff of Atlanta, Georgia. The couple has four children and five grandchildren.
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