Senator John Albers- Service, Experience, Leadership, Results By Patti Richter Our favorite quotes reveal personal aspirations. However, the words that inspire us are not as powerful in shaping our character as the lives of those who nurtured us. It’s not surprising that Senator John Albers prefers the maxims of political figures and other leaders, past and present. But he acknowledges home as his greater influence: “My wonderful parents instilled in me hard work, faith, and resolve.” Albers, age 48, still benefits from his parents’ advice. “Their values are fundamental to everything I do — serving my family, church, charities, in business, firefighting, elected office, and more,” he says. SERVICE The senator further credits his parents as his role models for “giving back” — sharing time and resources with others. Albers says, “Many generations of my family have served in the military and as first responders. I love to serve people, and for me, it’s a calling, the greatest way to glorify God. I want to be the best husband, father, senator, and community servant.” Albers and his wife, Kari, celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary this year. He says, “We’re proud of our two adult sons, both graduates of Roswell High School. They’re adding to the family’s legacy of public service. Our oldest is a recent college graduate who now serves as a first responder (He will also be married this fall!), and our youngest is just starting college.” The senator’s desk displays the saying that once graced President Ronald Reagan’s desk in the Oval Office: “There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.” The hard work of a public servant is sometimes obvious but at many times unseen. But one of Albers’ other roles is clearly undercover, in the uniform of a firefighter. A 4th-generation firefighter, Albers continues to serve as a volunteer in Alpharetta. “Firefighting and politics have a lot in common — putting out fires and rushing in when others run out,” he says. EXPERIENCE Senator Albers earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville and completed graduate programs at both the University of Georgia and Harvard University. “We stress formal education in our home, and I believe education is a lifelong journey,” he says. “However, as Julius Caesar said long ago, ‘Experience is the teacher of all things.’” The senator recalls his lack of experience when first elected: “I needed to learn and develop relationships in order to be successful.” Now, he is thankful for nearly a decade of experience, especially in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Experience really mattered when demands on my office jumped by 5,000%! One constituent thanked me profusely for the help she received, saying I was the only person to respond and make a difference. She said I’d been prepared for such a time.” Albers adds, “My years of experience have led to success in passing legislation and assuring that budget dollars come home to North Fulton and Cherokee counties, which is very important for our families and businesses.” LEADERSHIP A lifelong student of history, Albers says, “Many issues we face today have been seen before. Author John Maxwell explains, ‘Leaders must be willing to let go of what worked yesterday and learn new ways of seeing, doing, and leading.’” Albers’ leadership roles in the Georgia Senate are extensive. Serving as chairman of Public Safety is “an awesome responsibility,” he says. The senator is also Appropriation Subcommittee chairman for Criminal Justice and Public Safety, “which constitutes about $3.5 billion of the state budget.” Other roles include vice chairman of Finance and membership on three committees: Rules, Regulated Industry, and Veterans and Homeland Security. Albers further serves in leadership as chief deputy whip, which he describes as, “not driving the car but having my hand on the steering wheel.” Regarding critically important decisions that affect nearly 11 million Georgians, Albers says, “I do my homework and listen to all sides, as I process each one. You can compromise on politics but never on principles. This belief has served me well as a senator representing the 56th District and the State of Georgia and will continue to be my guidepost.” RESULTS Nicknamed the “Energizer Bunny” over the years, Albers often works while others sleep. He embraces Abraham Lincoln’s work ethic: “Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.” “I’m driven by a results-oriented approach,” the senator says, “with a sense of urgency to solve problems and make meaningful improvements. When children are adopted, women rescued from human trafficking, special-needs families receive services, veterans gain support, and schools thrive, I know my mission is being accomplished.” Albers hopes to someday tell his grandchildren how he helped his community and state. Meanwhile, he says, “I will never slow down.” Senator John Albers421 State CapitolAtlanta, GA 30334404-463-8055SenatorAlbers.com This is paid advertisement.
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