Representative Karla Drenner
HD 86 (D - Avondale Estates)
Georgia State Representative Karla Drenner (D-86) is a leader in the statewide charge to preserve and protect Georgia’s environmental assets. In this role, Dr. Drenner has worked to encourage green practices and to inhibit forces that seek to deteriorate Georgia’s environment ultimately endangering the health, welfare and quality of life of the state’s residents.
First elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2000, Representative Drenner has for four terms focused on other issues as well, including education reform and improving neighborhoods. In addition to these local issues, Representative Drenner is an advocate against poverty and for human rights.
Utilizing her experience as an executive in the environmental health and safety industry, Karla is a voice for sensible and responsible environmental policy in her capacity as a member of the House of Representatives’ Natural Resources and Environment Committee. She is also a member of the chamber’s Health and Human Services and Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications committees.
In addition to her duties in the General Assembly, Karla is an Adjunct Professor at Devry University where she teaches Environmental Science, Principles of Ethics and Leadership and Motivation.
Representative Drenner has served or serves on numerous boards, including Keep DeKalb Beautiful, Emory Northlake Regional Hospital, Scottdale Childcare and Family Development Center, DeKalb County Greenspace Program and the Georgia Women’s Democratic Caucus.
Representative Drenner is a five-time winner of the Georgia League of Conservation Voters’ Environmental Leadership Award (2001-2005). She was named in 2001 a “Diva” by Business-to-Business magazine and Legislator of the Year by the Organization of DeKalb Legislators (2006). Her other honors include Excellence in Partnership, Community Action Program (2007) and Legislative Hero, AIDS Survival Project (2004).
Drenner is Corporate Director of Environmental Health and Safety with Marubeni Caribbean Power Holdings. Karla is also a member of several professional associations including the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, the Health Physics Society, the Air and Waste Management Association and the National Safety Council.
She has published a book, One: The True Story of Politics, Prayer and the Power of One. Her other publications and presentations include:
“Creating a Common Language for Hazard Control.” Journal of Professional Safety Management. 1994.
National Solid Waste Association. “Renewable Energy: An Idea Who’s Time Has Come.” 2003.
Georgia Chemistry Council Presentation. “Risk Perception: A Common Sense Approach to Energy and Environmental Policy.” 2005.
National Organization of Women. “Spirituality and Politics.” 2006.
A native of Charleston, West Virginia, Karla has lived and studied in various regions throughout the United States. Along with her two children, Drenner lives DeKalb County’s in Avondale Estates where she trains as an accomplished marathoner.