Courtesy of Rebecca Leftwich, Times-Georgian

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has appointed Carrollton native Kristi Fulford Garrett ('87) to the State Board of Education.

Garrett will represent Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District, which encompasses 15 counties, including Carroll, Haralson and part of Douglas. The 14-member board, along with State School Superintendent Richard Woods, governs the state’s 180 public school districts. Garrett will serve a seven-year term, replacing former two-term 3rd District representative Helen Rice of LaGrange.

Since attending her first meeting in January, Garrett said she has been reaching out to superintendents in her district to find out about their unique needs.

“I have had a very positive response,” she said. “They have been very welcoming. I want them to tell me what they need me to know, because that’s the best way to represent them. That’s what my goal is, and that’s what I was appointed to do.”

Garrett and her husband, Ben, are products of public schools, along with their four children, who all attended public universities. She is also deeply entrenched in the business community. She has been an owner and employee of RaLin & Associates, Inc. since 2008, lending her expertise in marketing and business leadership.

A Carrollton High School alum and graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Marketing, Garrett worked in the healthcare industry until her third child was born, when she left the field to become a full-time mom. In 2016, she launched a custom jewelry business with her daughters, and in 2018 she became managing partner of Southern Home & Garden/ACE Hardware, where she remained until it was sold in 2021.

Currently, Garrett serves as the chief marketing officer at RaLin, focusing on building impactful relationships, fostering sustainable growth and inspiring others to achieve success – goals she said she also hopes to accomplish as a member of the state board of education.

“Everything comes down to relationships,” she said. “Everybody has to be on the same page and be invested in the same thing: the best interest of the child. We have to give every child every opportunity to succeed.”

In addition to her professional roles, Garrett is an active community leader and volunteer. She serves on the Carroll County Chamber Board (Legislative Committee Member), the Tanner Foundation Board of Trustees (Strategic Planning Committee and Executive Committee), and participates in local civic and social organizations such as the Spade and Trowel Garden Club and the Lit Mu Club.

She is also a member of Carrollton First Methodist Church, where she facilitates a Bible study class. Outside of her commitments, Garrett enjoys reading; traveling; playing bridge, golf and pickleball; and spending time with family and friends.