By now, most Georgians know of Speaker Glenn Richardson, Senate President pro tempore Eric Johnson, Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, and Governor Sonny Perdue. Behind these leaders, however, there are some important folks whose names many Georgians will never hear or see. In the world of politics, their jobs are to get the job done, but never get the credit. In many ways, they touch the lives of Georgians as much as a Senator or House Member in the Georgia Legislature. As a result, their greatest successes are known only to those working inside the Gold Dome. Lift the curtain, and here are some of the people making it all happen.
Chris Cumminskey is the Chief of Staff for the Speaker of the House, Glenn Richardson. His anonymity is notable given that he works for one of the most controversial people in Georgia government. His job in the Speaker’s office is very different from his former role as State Director for Senator Johnny Isakson. In the United States Senate, the focus is mostly on consensus building where direct controversy is avoided at all cost. In contrast, the Speaker’s job is to create cover, political maneuvering room, and support for Members while simultaneously moving an agenda based on the will of the House majority. Of course, Speaker Richardson has been occasionally known to use tactical explosions to create maneuvering room and cover for Members of his Caucus. Chris Cumminskey makes sure that the fallout from these explosions never reaches critical mass so as to threaten either the Speaker’s job or the majority’s agenda. Most importantly, as the former Political Director for Senator Isakson’s campaign, Chris Cumminskey understands that the name of the game is winning elections. In this regard, it is his combined skill sets that make him so valuable and trusted.
Brad Alexander is the Chief of Staff for Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle. Brad Alexander has never been a stranger to political conflict. Before joining the office of the Lieutenant Governor, Brad Alexander served in capacities as former Congressman Bob Barr’s press secretary in Washington, D.C. and as district director in Marietta. Then, in candidate Casey Cagle’s political campaign, Brad Alexander led the relentless attacks on Republican primary opponent Ralph Reed that eventually resulted in Casey Cagle’s unexpected lopsided primary win. Yet, his charge as the Chief of Staff has been anything but creating political controversy. Instead, in his role as the Lieutenant Governor’s Chief of Staff, Brad Alexander has been tasked with downplaying conflict and winning intellectual arguments over public policy. As a graduate of Berry College and Emory University, his depth on the issues is exceptional. Few under the Gold Dome are as well versed in literature, political thought, and current events as Brad Alexander. While he has never been reluctant to get his hands dirty in the rough and tumble business of politics, Brad Alexander has succeeded in his current job by navigating the politically stormy waters down at the Capitol without allowing his boss to suffer any politically fatal wounds. With all the cannon fire under the Gold Dome, this has been no easy task.
Melanie Sloan is a mom. She is also the Chief of Staff for president pro tempore Senator Eric Johnson. Like her boss, Melanie Sloan works within a core conservative ideological framework that is unshakable. In a place where the political winds can blow even the most reliable legislator off course, Melanie Sloan has cut through the smoke and gotten down to business. She has consistently worked toward moving Georgia from a government based education system that has failed generations of children toward a merits based system that draws upon both the public and private sectors for success. Everyone under the Gold Dome knows her. Smart people respect her.
Finally, Josh Belinfante is the Deputy Executive Counsel to Governor Sonny Perdue. His unassuming demeanor conceals his exceptional talent. He served as a law clerk to Chief Judge J. L. Edmondson (of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals), legal counsel to the Judiciary Committee of the Georgia House of Representatives, and as an attorney at Balch & Bingham (one of the most respected firms in the Southeast). Yet, quietly and effectively, he works the halls of the Capitol with notable success.