Barry Fleming’s desire to serve his community began at an early age, observing his father who was a member of the city council and then as chairman of the Columbia County school board. Barry got his own start first serving under U.S. Congressmen Richard Ray and later Congressman Doug Barnard Jr., U.S. Senator Sam Nunn as well as Governor Joe Frank Harris.
Barry’s public service began in earnest, though, in 1999, when he was elected to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners. He later served as Chairman of the Commission in 2001 and 2002. In November of 2002, Barry was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives to represent Columbia County later his district was expanded to include parts of Lincoln and Wilkes counties. In 2004, when Republicans gained control of the House for the first time in over 130 years, his peers selected Barry as the Majority Whip, the second highest ranking officer in the Republican Caucus. Among his many responsibilities, Barry focuses his efforts to help other members of the Caucus and the House of Representatives understand the merits of the bills they pass each session. In 2006 Barry was reelected without opposition to both his district seat and his post of Majority Whip.
During his tenure in the House of Representatives, Barry has created a record that proves his commitment to conservative leadership. He was instrumental in passing tax cuts, protecting an individual’s right to own property, lawsuit reform and numerous efforts which increase punishment against convicted criminals who break the laws of Georgia.
For his service to the community and legislature, Barry has been awarded from Georgia's Cities the Champion for Georgia’s Cities Award, from Georgia's Hospitals the Legislative Leadership Award, from Georgia's District Attorney's the Commitment to Justice Award and from the Georgia Family Council the Family Service Award.
Barry is proud to be a product of the Columbia County public school system and a two-time graduate of the University of Georgia, first with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1988 and later with a degree in law in 1994.
Married for eleven years, Barry still lives in his birthplace of Harlem, Georgia, with his wife Paige and six year old son Zach. Barry is an active member of Harlem Baptist Church where he has served as chairman of the Board of Deacons and chairman of his church's finance committee. In addition to his numerous roles in public service, Barry is also a partner in the law firm of Fulcher Hagler in Augusta where his practice focuses on defending small businesses, local governments and companies against lawsuits.
|
