SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT RICHARD WOODS ENDORSES TYLER HARPER FOR AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER

SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT RICHARD WOODS ENDORSES TYLER HARPER FOR AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER

OCILLA – Today, Georgia Superintendent of Schools Richard Woods announced his endorsement of Tyler Harper to be the state’s next Commissioner of Agriculture. Woods, a 25-year public educator, was first elected as head of the Department of Education in 2014 and under his leadership, Georgia’s K-12 education system has seen significant success.

Georgia Schools Superintendent Richard Woods

“I’m proud to endorse my good friend Tyler Harper for Commissioner of Agriculture,” State Superintendent Woods said. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Tyler for many years, going back to his time as one of my students at Irwin County High School—and from a young age his passion and understanding of the agriculture industry was readily apparent. I can tell you without a doubt Tyler has the experience, work ethic, plan and vision to fight for our state’s farmers, producers, and consumers. Tyler will also continue to strengthen the partnerships between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Education so that we can invest in the next generation of agriculture and set our ag students up for success. I hope you’ll join me in voting for Tyler Harper to be our state’s next Commissioner of Agriculture and help advance our state’s number one industry!”

Sen. Tyler Harper

Tyler Harper said, “I’m honored to have the endorsement of State School Superintendent Richard Woods. Having been a student in Mr. Woods class at Irwin County High School, I know that his dedication and passion for our education system is second to none. As your next Agriculture Commissioner, I’ll make investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders a priority and ensure that our number one industry has the talent, resources, and expertise to be successful for generations to come. I look forward to working with Superintendent Woods to build on our partnerships and help our state continue to grow.”

About Richard Woods

Richard Woods was born in Pensacola, Florida and while growing up in a military family, lived in California, Hawaii and Virginia before moving to Georgia. He graduated from Fitzgerald High School, and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree from Kennesaw State University and a Master’s Degree from Valdosta State University.

Woods has over ​25 years of pre-k through 12th grade experience in public education. Woods was a high school teacher for 14 years, serving as department chair and teacher mentor. During his tenure, he was also selected as Teacher of the Year. For eight years Woods served in various administrative roles such as assistant principal, principal, curriculum director, testing coordinator, pre-k director, and alternative school director.

Woods also brings a business background to the superintendent’s position, having been a purchasing agent for a national/multi-national laser company and a former small business owner.

He and his wife Lisha, a retired 30-year educator, are long-time residents of Tifton and have been married for 27 years.

About Tyler Harper

As a 7th generation farmer and small businessman who still uses his grandfather’s tractor in the fields tending the same land that his family has had for over 100 years, Tyler Harper has a deep, personal appreciation for Georgia’s agricultural industry – and the millions of local growers it supports. Since 2013, he has worked to defend Georgia’s largest sector as a State Senator – where he currently serves in leadership on the Natural Resources, Public Safety, and Agriculture Committees. Additionally, Tyler currently serves as the Agriculture & Rural Development Vice-Chair of the Southern Legislative Conference. Over the years, he has championed our farms and farmers, worked to make them more competitive at home and abroad, and help cultivate the next generation of Georgia agriculture. As your next Agriculture Commissioner, Tyler will ensure our food supplies are kept safe, making sure that our families are fed. He will always put Georgia agriculture first and fight the overreach of Washington, D.C.

In addition to his work to protect agribusiness, Tyler Harper has also been a champion for conservative values. He supports President Trump’s America First policies. He worked with Secretary Sonny Perdue to deliver results for Georgia. Tyler strongly supports secure borders, fully funding our law enforcement, strengthening election integrity, the sanctity of life, and our God-given 2nd Amendment rights. For his efforts, Tyler has earned an “A+” rating from the NRA, has been rated 100% pro-business by NFIB, and was deemed a “Defender of Liberty” by the American Conservative Union.

Tyler Harper lives in Ocilla and is a lifelong resident of South Georgia. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering and holds an associate’s degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. He is an active member in his local community and has helped lead organizations across the state – from his local rotary club, to the Georgia Young Farmers Association, to the UGA College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. When he is not serving the state at the Gold Dome or working on the family farm, Tyler can be found enjoying the outdoors – or at Satilla Baptist Church, where he plays in the band every Sunday.

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