Senator Renee Unterman was first elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2002 after having served two terms in the House of Representatives. She serves as chair of the Senate Ethics Committee, vice-chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and is a member of the Rules and Appropriations committees. She is the chairman of Appropriation’s Subcommittee for the Department of Human Resources.

Sen. Unterman grew up in Gwinnett County and graduated from Berkmar High School. She earned her Nursing Degree from Georgia State University and her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia. After graduation, she worked as an emergency room and critical care nurse.

As Mayor of Loganville for three terms, Sen. Unterman worked to build a library, start senior programs, fight water pollution and improve parks. She improved public safety by opening a new fire station and police headquarters.

As a Gwinnett County Commissioner, Sen. Unterman led the creation of Lenora, Lawrenceville and Bethesda Parks and was one of the earliest advocates for controlling growth in Gwinnett County. She also worked to improve conservation, water quality, and implement advanced Senior Citizen programs.

Her leadership skills in the House was demonstrated when she sponsored and fought for legislation which allowed patients to choose their own hospital. She authored new legislation which would protect the elderly and disabled against abuse.

Sen. Unterman founded and served as chairman of Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services, a private charitable organization that has been nationally recognized in local community service and public-private partnerships. This private charity helps fund Meals on Wheels and Adult Day Care.

She currently serves as vice-chairman of the National Association of State Legislature’s Committee on Human Welfare, and has been member for many years of the American Legislative Exchange Committee, serving on the committee of Health Services.

Sen. Unterman has served on the Gwinnett County Soil and Water Conservation Board, Gwinnett, Rockdale/Newton Board of Health, Greater Gwinnett Republican Women as an active member and Next Generation Sportsmen. She also participates with the Stennis Foundation, promoting women in government.

Sen. Unterman has two children, Zak and Rachel. She is a native Georgian and has lived in Gwinnett for over 30 years, currently residing in Buford.

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