Former Paulding Legislator Tapped by Labor Commissioner

State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler announced today that Fred Aiken of Smyrna has been named Assistant Commissioner of Business and Government Relations for the Georgia Department of Labor. For the past eight years, Aiken has served as the department’s legislative liaison to the Georgia General Assembly.

Aiken was elected in 1980 to serve Cobb and Paulding counties in the Georgia General Assembly. With that election, he became the first Republican since Reconstruction to serve Paulding County in the General Assembly.

Before joining the labor department in 2003, Aiken worked in the banking industry for more than 20 years, was district representative for U.S. Rep. Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. He also was district director for U.S. Rep. Bob Barr.

“Fred Aiken has had a distinguished career in public service,” said Butler, the former state representative from Carroll and Haralson counties. “While in the General Assembly, I worked closely with Fred on the labor department’s budget and legislative issues. I was impressed with his dedication, knowledge, and professionalism in representing the labor department’s interests. Because of my personal experience working with Fred, combined with his experience in business and economic development, I have the utmost confidence that he will be an excellent assistant commissioner and a valuable member of our leadership team.”

A native of Atlanta, Aiken grew up in Paulding County and is a graduate of Dallas High School. He attended the University of Georgia in Athens, and holds a bachelor of law degree from the Atlanta Law School. He is also a graduate of the School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. From 1955-65, he served with the Georgia Air National Guard.

In his new position, Aiken will work with employers, economic developers, chambers of commerce, and the General Assembly to help attract new industries to Georgia and bring about expansion of existing businesses.

“I appreciate Commissioner Butler’s confidence in me and look forward to my new role in the labor department’s efforts to help Georgia return to economic prosperity,” Aiken said. “It has been my honor and privilege to be a public servant for most of my working career, and I’m excited about this opportunity to continue serving the people of Georgia.”

Aiken’s memberships include the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Council for Quality Growth, Georgia Economic Developers Association, Georgia Public Policy Foundation, Southern Growth Policy Advisory Board, and board member of Housing and Demographics Research Center at the University of Georgia.

Aiken’s civic accomplishments include leadership roles with the Blind and Low Vision Services of North Georgia and Paulding County Jaycees. He is also a past president of the Marietta Metro Rotary Club, and a past board member of the Heart Fund, March of Dimes, United Way and the Cancer Crusade.

He is married to the former Sue Carol Camp of Dallas. They are the parents of one daughter, Susan (Mrs. David Grier), and two grandchildren: Caroline, 7, and Colton, 3, who live in Cherokee County.