NEWS

Governor Brian P. Kemp has appointed Jared W. Downs, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce’s vice president of governmental affairs, to serve as the Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield citizen member of the Georgia Joint Defense Commission.

The commission advises the governor and General Assembly on military and defense issues, including the future of Georgia’s installations, defense research, military families, and veterans. It also helps communities strengthen their relationships with nearby bases and prepare for potential changes to military installations.

Military installations support service members and their families while creating opportunities for Georgia businesses and workers. Downs’ appointment gives the Savannah region a voice in statewide discussions about strengthening those installations and the communities that support them.

The 23-member commission brings together state legislators, citizen representatives from Georgia’s military installation regions, and leaders in economic development, education, and defense.