Former Georgia House Speaker Mark Burkhalter has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as U.S. ambassador to Norway.
Burkhalter is a senior advisor in the Public Policy and Regulation practice in the Atlanta office of Dentons U.S. LLP and plays a significant role in the global law firm’s public affairs and economic development initiatives in the United Kingdom.
The Republican from Alpharetta served in the state House for 18 years, representing a district in Atlanta’s northern suburbs. He became speaker pro tempore when Republicans captured control of the House in 2004 and served about a month as speaker at the end of 2009 when then-Speaker Glenn Richardson resigned his seat in the House.
Burkhalter’s political career also included a stint on the legislative staff of then-U.S. Rep. Newt Gingrich, R-Marietta before Gingrich became U.S. House speaker.
While serving in the General Assembly, Burkhalter built a successful career in real estate development. He earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Georgia with a double major in German and Slavic languages and global studies/political science.
Subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate, Burkhalter would become the second prominent Georgia Republican to represent the United States overseas under the Trump administration.
Lawyer and GOP activist Randy Evans is serving as U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning we could earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links.
