In 1877, hymn writer Hattie Buell wrote a song about me.“I once was an outcast stranger on earth,A sinner by choice and an alien by birth;But I’ve been adopted, my name’s written down,An heir to a mansion, a robe and a crownI’m a child of the King, A child of the King,With Jesus my Savior, I’m a child of the King.”Thank you Lord.I am a husband, father, and grandfather. I have led hundreds of agricultural leaders through the catacombs of our nation’s Capitol, defended Georgia’s most important industry under the Gold Dome, built a worker’s compensation insurance company, and spearheaded a one-of-a-kind agricultural experience during the Centennial Olympic Games.Georgians trusted me from 2011-2023 to serve as Commissioner of Agriculture. I led a team that developed the most notable state brand in America - Georgia Grown. Georgia Department of Agriculture programs for Information Technology, Food Safety, and Homeland Security garnered national acclaim under my leadership. I provided primary leadership for relief following Hurricane Michael of 2018 and implemented the most efficient federally funded disaster block grant in history in its aftermath. I chaired the board an $180 million agriculture lending institution with a delinquency rate below three-percent.I am grateful for the kind recognition of a number of state and national groups regarding my activities on behalf of agriculture. I concluded my public service being inducted into GA Trend Magazine’s “Most Influential Georgians Hall of Fame”.I am blessed to live on the farm I was raised on where our family raises sim-angus cattle. We custom feed beef animals for www.texgafarms.com, my daughter and son-in-law’s company. I hope I am known for listening and speaking well. My goal is to have the discipline to apply the proper balance for both.I believe TRUST must be the centerpiece of relationships. I believe a proper work ethic includes a commitment to arrive early, stay late, and honor your word. I believe “yes mam, no mam, yes sir, no sir, please, thank you, and it’s my pleasure,” are essential to the vocabulary of everyone, not just those who work at Chick-fil-A.God blessed me 41 years ago with my best friend, most trusted advisor, and Proverbs 31 (look it up) wife, mom, and grandmama, Lydia. She is the CRO of our family - Chief Reality Officer. I love her with all my heart.For over forty years, I have connected people, solved problems, and inspired excellence. I have always viewed these pursuits as a journey, not a destination. I have not yet arrived. I am just getting started.