Former Gov. Nathan Deal's chief of staff will serve in that role in the House speaker's office on an interim basis, Speaker Jon Burns announced Wednesday.
Chris Riley will fill in for former state Rep. Terry England, who has served as Burns' chief of staff since 2023. England suffered a serious accident on his farm in Barrow County last weekend and remains hospitalized.
“I’m excited to be welcoming Chris Riley to our team in the speaker’s office for the remainder of this legislative session,” said Burns, R-Newington. “While we’re deeply saddened by the circumstances of this transition, Chris brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that will be invaluable as we continue our work on behalf of the people of our great state.
"No one knows Terry England’s mind and heart for Georgia better than Chris Riley - and I’m confident he will step into this role with Terry’s love for our state at the forefront of his leadership as interim chief of staff.”
Riley served as Deal's chief of staff from 2011 to 2018, Deal's entire tenure as governor. Riley, his wife Bambi, and their two sons live on a farm in Hall County where they operate a small cattle operation.
“Terry England has been a tireless advocate for Georgians in every corner of our state for decades, and it’s an honor to be welcomed into this role while he recovers,” Riley said. “I’m looking forward to working alongside my friend Speaker Burns as he continues to advance a strong, common-sense agenda in the House.”
Burns told his House colleagues Wednesday that England is getting better every day and will return to his post in the speaker's office after he recovers.
