Jason Shaw sworn in as new member of Georgia Public Service Commission

ATLANTA — Jason Shaw of Lakeland took his seat on the Georgia Public Service Commission on Thursday following his swearing in by Gov. Nathan Deal.

Deal appointed Shaw to fill the unexpired term of PSC District 1 Commissioner Doug Everett, a native of Cordele who lives in Albany, upon Everett’s retirement that became effective Dec. 31. Shaw, a native of Lanier County, formerly represented Georgia House District 176 — which includes Atkinson, Lanier, Lowndes and Ware counties — for four terms following his election in 2010 to the Georgia House of Representatives.

In the House, Shaw chaired the Legislative Rural Caucus and the House Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Georgia, and is a 2004 graduate of Leadership Georgia, the Leadership Lanier class of 2003 and the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership class of 2000.

“It’s an honor to become a member of this commission,” Shaw said. “I look forward to tackling the difficult issues for the people of Georgia and working with my colleagues on the commission.”

In 2011, he was on the “Georgia Trend 40 under 40” list of young Georgia leaders in business and government.

“Jason Shaw brings a wealth of talent and experience to this commission,” Commission Chairman Lauren “Bubba” McDonald said. “We welcome him to the commission and look forward to his wisdom and his direction as he serves on this commission.”

Shaw is the owner of Shaw Insurance Services Inc. and a partner of Georgia Olive Farms Inc., both of Lakeland. He served as the Lanier County Lions Club president in 2001 and as the Lakeland/Lanier County Chamber of Commerce president in 2006.

He is also a past director of the Greater Valdosta Area United Way and a past trustee of the Valdosta Technical College Foundation.

“Jason Shaw’s legislative experience will be an asset for the Georgia Public Service Commission as he serves as our newest commissioner,” Commission Vice Chair Tim Echols said. “I look forward to learning from him and working to make our state a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

The new PSC member lives on a farm with his wife Kay Miller Shaw, and their children, Anne Harvey and Slaton Shaw. He and his family are members of Unity United Methodist Church.

Shaw, a Republican, is currently set to serve on the commission until Dec. 31, 2020.

The PSC is a five-member constitutional agency meant to ensure that consumers receive safe, reliable and reasonably-priced electric, natural gas and telecommunications service from financially viable and technically competent companies. For more information, visit www.psc.state.ga.us.

Jennifer Parks