Joe Tanner
Founder
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From procuring new business to following government guidelines, Joe D. Tanner saw a need to help companies navigate the intricacies of state and local government. He founded Joe Tanner & Associates in 1997 to offer his extensive expertise in governmental relations and business development to clients throughout Georgia. Sadly, he passed away in November, 2024, at the age of 86, but his impact in Georgia will be felt for generations to come.
In representing the interests of his clients, Joe Tanner drew on his 26 years of experience in Georgia government under four governors, to whom he acted as a key policy advisor. During the tenures of Carter, Busbee, Harris and Miller, Tanner was responsible for more than 400 pieces of major legislation, including these innovative landmarks:
Jerry Keen
President & CEO
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Jerry Keen serves as President & CEO of Joe Tanner & Associates, bringing nearly twenty years of political expertise at the national and state level. As a strategic advisor, Jerry manages business to business consulting and advises clients on key policy matters.
Prior to joining Joe Tanner & Associates, Jerry served as Senior Consultant of Strategic Development at Troutman Sanders Strategies. Jerry served ten years in the Georgia House of Representatives, representing Georgia’s Southeastern coast. In his second term, Jerry was selected Minority Whip and led Republicans to their first majority in 130 years. Jerry was unanimously selected by his Caucus in 2004 to serve as House Majority Leader; he served in that capacity until his 2010 departure.
Eric Bailey
Vice President
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Eric Bailey has worked in government affairs and public policy for 21 years. He brings an extensive background and unique perspective to his approach in delivering the needs of clients at Joe Tanner and Associates. Throughout his career Eric has demonstrated the ability to work with businesses, community leaders, and lawmakers to advance issues and initiatives that improve the quality of life in their community. His experience has led to expertise that transcend across a wide spectrum including government affairs, community organizing and public relations, and business development and procurement.
Clelia Keen
Senior Associate
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Clelia Keen, senior associate at Joe Tanner and Associates (JTA), brings 20 years of experience in community relations, political operations, and public policy. Prior to joining JTA, she worked in government and community affairs for Georgia State University (GSU), which has five campuses and a multi-county footprint and is the largest university in the state. In this role, Keen built and developed relationships with external stakeholders, such as local chambers of commerce, small and large businesses, and elected officials. She identified not only workforce development opportunities for students and industry, but also strategic development opportunities for the university.