Mr. Barnard previously served nine one-year terms as chairman and is the second longest serving chairman in the Board's history.

Mr. Barnard, a former State Representative, served nearly sixteen years in the Georgia House of Representatives. The Coastal Georgia lawmaker served as a member of several key House Committees, including the State Institutions and Property Committee, where he served as the Chair for six years. In 1995-1996, Mr. Barnard guided through the Georgia House the framework for the State Sex Offender Registry and Sexual Offender Registration Review Board. Mr. Barnard’s legislative experience and knowledge of the Georgia Department of Corrections continues to serve the Board and the citizens of Georgia.

Mr. Barnard is a native of Tattnall County and lives in McIntosh County. He is a graduate of Atlantic Community College and has a strong background in business and more than eighteen years of experience in the financial industry.