6-10 years

Ben Harbin starting lobbying after completing a distinguished 20-year term as state representative serving the people of Columbia County in the 122nd District. During Ben's legislative tenure, he served in key leadership positions. As former Chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, Ben was instrumental in helping balance Georgia's budget during the worst financial downturn since the Great Depression. In addition, Ben served as Vice Chair of the House Health Appropriations Committee, Chair of the Telecommunications subcommittee of House Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications, and Chair of the Sales Tax Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee. Ben also had long-standing membership on the House Intragovernmental Coordination and House Insurance Committees. House Speaker David Ralston appointed Ben to serve as the Co-Chairman of the Georgia Technology Oversight Committee, which was tasked with reviewing the operations and structure of the Georgia Technology Authority.Ben's long-standing support for small businesses as a state representative was recognized by the National Coalition for Capital in 2011, who presented him with a Champion of Small Business Award. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce named Ben Legislator of the Year in 2009. Ben was also a three-time recipient of the Association of County Commissioners' Legislative Award.

Ben's involvement in the healthcare community as a state representative was recognized by the Georgia Council on Aging, the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, and the Georgia Public Health Nurses. The Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals named Ben Legislator of the Year in 2008.A graduate of Georgia Military College, Ben received the Graduate of Distinction Seal for his major in Business Administration. Ben is also a graduate of Mercer University where he earned a Master's of Business Administration. Ben serves on the Board of Trustees for Doctors Hospital of Augusta, Civic Affairs Foundation of ACCG Board of Directors, Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, and as Secretary/Treasurer of the Georgia Music Foundation Board of Directors.Ben resides in Evans, with his wife Hope and their two children.