Athens, Ga. – Chris Cummiskey, chief of staff for Georgia House Speaker Glenn Richardson, is joining the University of Georgia as director of state relations effective May 12.
Cummiskey, a 1996 magna cum laude graduate of UGA with a degree in finance, will represent the university in matters with state government offices and will be the university’s main liaison with key state officials. He succeeds Randy Powers, who has retired after seven years in the position.
Steve Wrigley, UGA’s vice president for government relations, said Cummiskey “brings a strong love for UGA, extensive background working for federal and state officials, and a deep understanding of state government and how it works. We are delighted he is joining us.”
Cummiskey became Richardson’s chief of staff in January 2007. Previously, he was state director for U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson for three years. In that position, he worked with the Georgia General Assembly, the governor’s office, local officials and Georgia businesses on matters relating to the federal government. He was Isakson’s representative on the Base Realignment and Closure Commission for Georgia and directed projects involving economic development, constituent service and public events.
While working on Isakson’s 2003 senatorial campaign as political director and senior advisor, Cummiskey formed a network of county chairs in every county in the state to support Isakson, and was the campaign’s primary liaison with members of the General Assembly.
After graduating from UGA, Cummiskey worked seven years with energy companies in Georgia, California and Texas managing electricity and gas derivatives trades.
