The State Transportation Board Thursday elected Bill Kuhlke, Jr. of Augusta as chairman and Larry Walker of Perry as vice chairman.  Kuhlke represents the 10th Congressional District; Walker represents the 8th Congressional District.

Third District Board member Sam Wellborn nominated Kuhlke, saying, "It’s a new day for transportation in Georgia," and that, "Bill Kuhlke will provide the leadership we need."

"We have a great leadership team," Wellborn said, praising Gov. Sonny Perdue, Kuhlke, Walker and Commissioner Gena Abraham, as well as the employees of the Georgia Department of Transportation, which the board oversees.

Prior to joining the Board in 2004, Kuhlke served on the Richmond County Commission from 1996 to 2003 and is a former member of the Richmond County Coliseum Authority, a former member and Chairman of the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism (now the Georgia Department of Economic Development) and former member of the World Congress Center Authority. His civic activities include serving as past president of the Exchange Club of Augusta and the Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce.

Kuhlke has also been involved with the Augusta State University Trustees as a past chairman and as the past president of the August YMCA. He is the owner of a commercial construction business, Kuhlke Properties and is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

"I appreciate the confidence you all have shown in me to lead this Board," Kuhlke said. "Mr. Walker and I will work hard to make this Board and Department great for Georgia."

Prior to joining the Board in 2007, Walker practiced law in Perry after graduation from the University of Georgia School of Law, serving six years as Municipal Court Judge and eight years as City Attorney. He was elected to the Georgia General Assembly in 1972, taking the seat formerly occupied by Sam Nunn, a fellow Perryan, and served continuously until January 10, 2005. In 1983, Walker assumed the duties of Administration Floor Leader for Governor Joe Frank Harris, and in 1986 he was elected Majority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, serving in this capacity through 2002. He also served on the Judiciary, Rules, and Appropriations Committees.

Walker also served as Chairman of the State Legislative Leaders Foundation, a nationwide organization of state legislative leaders, for four years (1999-2002). In the January, 2003 edition of Georgia Trend magazine, Walker was named as one of "The 100 Most Powerful and Influential People in Georgia" for the 12th consecutive year.

"I feel great about our Board; their dedication is top notch," Walker said. "I’m flattered they would consider me to be their vice chairman."

Kuhlke and Walker will serve one-year terms as Board chair and vice chair.

The State Transportation Board is comprised of 13 members representing each of Georgia’s 13 congressional districts. Board members are elected by a legislative caucus that is made up of members of the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate representing the districts. Elected to five-year terms, board members have general control and supervision of the Department of Transportation, including authority to name the Commissioner of Transportation.