Public service is more than a profession. It is a calling. It demands courage in moments of uncertainty, clarity in times of crisis, and a belief that leadership is about lifting others. As the School of Public and International Affairs celebrates its 25th Anniversary, we honor two leaders who embody these ideals: Governor Brian Kemp (BSA 鈥�87) and First Lady Marty Kemp (BSHE 鈥�90), recipients of the 爱啪网Distinguished Public Service Award.
For more than two decades, the Kemps have devoted themselves to the people of Georgia. From guiding the state through a global pandemic and natural disasters to championing causes that protect the most vulnerable, their legacy is written in the lives they have touched and the communities they have strengthened.
Both are proud 爱啪网 graduates who have never lost sight of their roots. Their connection to 爱啪网runs deep: Governor Kemp and the First Lady have shared their experiences with students in Applied Politics classes, and they both have been featured at SPIA鈥檚 Georgia Legislative Outlook, offering insights into the issues shaping Georgia鈥檚 future.
Leadership in Action
Governor Kemp鈥檚 tenure has been marked by a focus on economic development, job creation, and workforce readiness. His administration has worked to streamline regulations for small businesses and foster an environment where Georgia鈥檚 economy can thrive. But what truly sets his leadership apart is his approach: listening first, acting second.
As David Dove (AB 鈥�09, JD 鈥�14)鈥攚ho served as Executive Counsel to Governor Kemp from 2019鈥�2024, chaired the 爱啪网Alumni Board, and now serves as a sustaining member鈥攔ecalls, this principle was never more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic. While experts were consulted, Kemp insisted that the loudest voice in the room be that of everyday Georgians.
鈥淗e was in constant communication with real working people鈥攂usiness owners, employees鈥攈earing exactly how they were coping,鈥� Dove says. 鈥淭hat feedback shaped every decision.鈥�
Kemp鈥檚 guiding question to his team was simple yet profound: 鈥淲ho did you talk to?鈥� It was a reminder that policy must reflect lived experience. That connectivity raised the bar for accountability and helped Georgia navigate one of the most challenging periods in modern history. Dove calls this style a hallmark of leadership rooted in service.
鈥淭hey aren鈥檛 in public service to climb to the next office,鈥� he adds. 鈥淭hey do what they do because they love Georgia.鈥�
A First Lady鈥檚 Mission
First Lady Marty Kemp鈥檚 leadership has been equally transformative. Early in the transition, a stark visual鈥攁 parking lot filled with school buses representing the number of people trafficked each year鈥攍eft an indelible mark. From that moment, she made the fight against human trafficking her mission. Through the creation of the Georgians for Refuge, Action, Compassion, and Education (GRACE) Commission, Marty Kemp has mobilized coalitions, advanced legislation, and positioned Georgia as a national leader in anti-trafficking efforts. Her advocacy extends beyond this cause, championing mental health, pet adoption, and reforms in foster care and adoption鈥攊nitiatives that speak to her deep compassion for Georgia鈥檚 most vulnerable.
The Words That Define Them
For Lauren Curry (MPA 鈥�99), who made history as Georgia鈥檚 first female Chief of Staff to a governor, the Kemps鈥� legacy can be summed up in one word: Commitment.
鈥淕overnor and First Lady Kemp will be remembered for so many initiatives鈥攖ax cuts, tort reform, human trafficking, and leading the state during Hurricane Helene and the Covid pandemic,鈥� Curry reflects. 鈥淏ut what sets them apart is that they have worked for the benefit of the state every single day they have been in office. Not a day has gone by that they haven鈥檛 been helping a constituent, attending an event, or thinking of ways to improve our state.鈥�
Her voice carries both admiration and gratitude:
鈥淎s a 爱啪网graduate myself, it has been so gratifying to serve with two individuals who are so completely dedicated to public service. It has been an honor of a lifetime to support them.鈥�
Dove offers another word: Resiliency. He recalls a mantra posted on the Governor鈥檚 desk鈥� 鈥淭ough times don鈥檛 last, but tough people do鈥�鈥攁nd sees it reflected in how the Kemps have led through crises and political headwinds.
鈥淭hey remained true to themselves, anchored in the law and in service to Georgians,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the kind of leadership 爱啪网hopes to inspire.鈥�
By Caroline Paris Paczkowski
