Sonny Perdue

Sonny Perdue, born on December 20, 1946, is a distinguished American politician, veterinarian, and businessman. He made history as the 31st United States Secretary of Agriculture, serving from 2017 to 2021 under President Donald Trump. A member of the Republican Party, Perdue's political career began in the Georgia State Senate, where he served from 1991 to 2002.

In 2002, Perdue was elected as the 81st governor of Georgia, marking a significant milestone as the first Republican to hold the office since the Reconstruction era. He successfully defeated the incumbent Roy Barnes and was reelected in 2006, garnering nearly sixty percent of the vote. His leadership extended beyond the governor's mansion, as he participated in the Governors' Council of the Bipartisan Policy Center from 2012 to 2017.

Perdue's nomination as Secretary of Agriculture was announced on January 18, 2017, and he was confirmed by the Senate on April 24 of the same year with an eighty-seven to eleven vote. His tenure as Secretary was notable as he became the second individual from the Deep South to hold this position, following Mike Espy of Mississippi.

In a new chapter of his career, on March 1, 2022, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia appointed Perdue as the system's 14th chancellor, effective April 1, 2022. His diverse experiences in agriculture, governance, and education continue to shape his impactful legacy.