Atlanta, Georgia – In a significant reshuffle within his legal team, Governor Brian P. Kemp of Georgia announced the appointment of Sam Hatcher as the new Executive Counsel. Hatcher will be stepping into the role following the departure of Kristyn Long, who will leave the Governor’s Office on February 14 to join the Georgia Hospital Association as General Counsel.
Governor Kemp expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointment and his confidence in the continued effectiveness of the legal team. “Marty, the girls, and I are excited to welcome Sam to this leadership role as Executive Counsel and for the continued service of the entire legal team, which remains indispensable to my office and the success of this administration,” Governor Kemp stated.
He also took the opportunity to extend his gratitude to the outgoing Executive Counsel, Kristyn Long, for her years of dedicated service and leadership, particularly during challenging times for the state. “Her intellect, skill, and countless hours of relentless work through multiple roles — some of which she filled simultaneously — helped our state weather many storms, both literal and figurative. We are happy to congratulate her on this new chapter and wish her and her family all the best in the coming years,” he added.
Additionally, the Governor acknowledged the departure of Evan Meyers, who left the office at the end of January after more than three years as Deputy Executive Counsel. Kemp commended Meyers for his efforts toward legislative improvement and agency regulation efficiency.
“We also want to thank Evan for his years of service and sacrifice, improving legislation and helping us streamline agency regulations and cut red tape so hardworking Georgians don’t have to worry about government negatively impacting their lives or businesses. As his family moves to be closer to their loved ones, we wish them well in their next step,” Kemp said.
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Initially Deputy Executive Counsel, Sam Hatcher, the next Executive Counsel, boasts a strong legal experience. His career covers periods in private practice concentrating on securities litigation, commercial litigation, antitrust law, state government, and government procurement. Graduated from Dartmouth College with a bachelor’s degree in History, Hatcher also possesses a law degree from the University of Georgia. He lives in Brookhaven with Allison, his spouse.
Christine Hayes and Rachel Byers, Deputy Executive Counsel and Associate Executive Counsel respectively, are continuing in their positions. Prior to serving in the Governor’s office, Hayes was the Director of Governmental Affairs for the State Bar of Georgia and had other roles within the Georgia General Assembly and the Judicial Council/Administrative Office of the Courts. She graduated from Emory University with her law degree and attended the University of Florida where she studied political science.
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Rachel Byers, holding her position as Associate Executive Counsel, previously clerked for Georgia Supreme Court Justice Verda M. Colvin. She has a strong educational background, having graduated from the University of Georgia with a law degree and a bachelor’s degree in political science. Based in Atlanta, Byers is an active member of the Christ Covenant Church. These appointments and changes inside Governor Kemp’s legal team highlight a continuous dedication to keep a strong and efficient legal framework supporting the administration’s goals of making Georgia a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.
