| Friends, Thanks to the hard work of the GAGOP staff, our organizing committee, local volunteers, and Augusta Marriott employees, the 2017 Georgia Republican Party State Convention was a huge success! Congratulations to our newly elected chairman, John Watson, 1st Vice Chair, Carolyn Fisher, and Assistant Secretary, BJ Van Gundy, on their new roles in the GAGOP. These proven, conservative leaders have what it takes to move our Party and our state forward. I wish them the very best and vow to be as helpful as possible during the transition and beyond. Serving as your State Party Chairman has been an honor of a lifetime. While I am proud of our victories at the ballot box, I leave this office with a deeper appreciation of the grassroots and the efforts made by so many to carry the conservative message and keep Georgia red. I am especially grateful for my staff – Adam Pipkin, Brad Hughes, Karen Hentschel, Leo Smith, and Lisa Kinnemore – and their years of service to the Party. Working for this organization is often a thankless job but these men and women labor tirelessly to organize events, expand our reach, grow resources, and ensure a bright future for the GAGOP. During the past four years, we became a family and I remain humbled by their loyalty, integrity, and love. In closing, my time as your Chairman is over but my passion for the conservative movement continues. I truly cherish the friendships forged during my tenure and remain committed to working together to help the GAGOP grow and prosper for years to come. May God bless you and God continue to bless the Georgia Republican Party! Sincerely, John Padgett Chairman (2013-2017) Georgia Republican Party, Inc. |