Served as Lt. Colonel in the Air National Guard with duties as hospital administrator with the 134th USAF Clinic in Knoxville, TN. Began his career with the State of Georgia in 1965. Served thirteen years as the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections, making him, at that time, the longest-serving state corrections commissioner. He also served as chairman of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Vice-Chairman of the Georgia Certified Public Manager Board, and member of the Governor’s Commission on Children and Youth.