Georgia Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms has named filmmaker Tyler Perry a co-chair of her transition team, according to The Western Journal.
Bottoms announced the appointment at a Friday news conference as she outlined preparations to take office after winning Georgias gubernatorial election. She calls the transition effort Georgias Promise, with business and political figures helping prepare her incoming administration.
Perry is known for his Madea films and for building Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. Bottoms praised him as an entertainment mogul and a major philanthropic presence in Georgia, highlighting his business and community connections.
Other transition leaders include Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank, Delta Air Lines executive Richard Cox, Carter Center board chair Jason Carter and former state representative Jane Kidd. Former Atlanta Chief Operating Officer John King will serve as the transition committees chief operating officer.
The appointment also brings an existing professional relationship into the transition process. Bottoms was an executive producer on Perrys Netflix political comedy She the People, later renamed Miss Governor, which premiered in May 2025 and was canceled after one season.
Perry is facing separate lawsuits from two actors alleging sexual misconduct, including coercion, unwanted advances and retaliation. The complaints seek $77 million and $260 million in damages, respectively, but those claims are allegations rather than established findings.
Perry has denied the allegations against him. He previously described one lawsuit as a shakedown and a money grab, contesting the accusations rather than accepting the plaintiffs account.
His selection prompted online reactions ranging from approval to skepticism about a filmmakers role in preparing a new state administration. The transition appointment is a temporary advisory assignment, not an announcement that Perry will hold a cabinet position.
Bottoms said she had spoken with outgoing Governor Brian Kemp about the handover. She described their conversation as positive and said Kemp offered resources and support to help make the transition smooth and orderly.
Login