About Karla
Karla lives in Avondale, is the mother of two beautiful twins, and was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2000, where she is in her 10th term. She sits on six legislative committees and sub-committees and also serves as the chair of the DeKalb County House of Representatives legislative delegation.
A native of Charleston, West Virginia, Karla has lived and studied in various regions throughout the U.S. Karla earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Physics from West Virginia State College, a Master of Business Administration from Fontbonne University, and a Master of Science in Environmental Science from Southern Illinois University. She was awarded a Ph.D. in Public Policy Analysis and Administration from St. Louis University and completed her second Ph.D. curriculum in Occupational Safety & Health from LaSalle University.
Karla is also active in the policy process nationally, where she serves on the Policy Committee for the National Foundation for Women Legislators. Recently, she was selected to participate in a two-year healthcare task force by the Conference of State Government. At the regional level, she serves on the Energy and Environmental Public Policy Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference. She is also a member of the Air and Waste Management Association, Health Physics Society, National Registry of Environmental Professionals, and the National Safety Council.
State representatives serve in their state's lower legislative chamber. Responsibilities include drafting and voting on state laws, representing their district's interests in the state capitol, serving on state committees, and shaping the state budget. State legislation covers areas like education, healthcare, transportation, criminal justice, and local taxation that directly affect residents' daily lives.