A successful entrepreneur and respected former State Senator, Casey Cagle made history in 2006 by becoming the first Republican elected to Georgia’s second highest office. In November of 2010 and 2014, in recognition of his outstanding efforts on behalf of the state his family has called home for seven generations, Georgia voters overwhelmingly re-elected Lieutenant Governor Cagle.
Raised by a single mom, Casey learned early on the challenges that single-parent families face. But with the love and support of his mom, Casey overcame these challenges against many odds. His mom also instilled in Casey the values of hard-work and honesty that have defined his career in public service.
After a leg injury ended his dreams of playing college football, Casey returned to Gainesville in 1986 and became the proprietor of his first small business, a tuxedo rental company. At just twenty years old, Casey began realizing the American dream as his business expanded throughout North Georgia. After founding Southern Heritage Bank in 1999 and earning his reputation as a community and business leader in Gainesville, Casey focused his efforts on serving the citizens of Georgia.
In 1994, he was elected the youngest state Senator at just 28 years old and was overwhelmingly re-elected five times. In the Senate, Casey rapidly established himself as a capable and effective lawmaker. He was appointed to serve as Chairman of the Finance Committee, Vice Chairman of Science and Technology, member of the Appropriations Committee, and member of the Natural Resources Committee. Casey’s ability to build consensus made him a successful leader in lowering taxes, protecting private property rights, and standing up for Georgia’s families.
In 2006, Casey Cagle became Georgia’s 11th Lieutenant Governor. As the first ever Republican Lt. Governor, Casey focused on his conservative principles to help make Georgia a place where businesses could grow, and families could prosper. Championing the Charter Systems Act, Casey improved education across our state while providing a path to career technical education for Georgia’s high school students.
Additionally, he launched the Georgia College and Career Academy Network, a partnership between local community leaders, school systems, Georgia’s technical colleges, and regional business and industry. The College and Career Academies provide relevant and rigorous curriculums aimed at preparing students for a highly skilled, 21st-century workforce upon graduation. Thanks to Casey’s leadership, Georgia has 46 College and Career Academies today with additional academies planned every year.
An avid triathlete, Casey leads Healthy Kids Georgia, an effort to encourage local partnerships that introduce children to make healthy lifestyle options. Under the slogan of “Be Fit. Be Healthy. Be You.” the initiative helps acquaint children with ways to improve their health and wellness. Working together, local communities are beginning to stem the tide of childhood obesity in ways that are proven to increase academic achievement and reduce long-term healthcare costs.
Casey’s leadership has been recognized beyond the state of Georgia as well. After being named one of the 100 most influential Georgians, Casey was one of four public servants in the country to be honored by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools with the Champion for Charters Award.
In October of 2016 Casey published his first book, Education Unleashed, to outline his vision for a public education system that will develop the strongest workforce in the world. In addition to celebrating achievements under his leadership, Education Unleashed charts a bold path forward for Georgia’s future.
Notwithstanding his many accomplishments in private and public life, Casey is most proud to be a husband, father and grandfather. He has been married to Nita, his high school sweetheart, for 31 years and they are the proud parents of three sons – Jared, Grant, and Carter – and grandparents of three beautiful grandchildren – Everett Grace, Levi Mick, and Wimberly Sullivan. They live in Chestnut Mountain and are active members of Blackshear Place Baptist Church.