David Poythress is a native Georgian. He was born and raised in Macon, where his father worked for the city water department and his mother was a school teacher. David attended Bibb County public schools and played football at Lanier High for Boys. David was raised in the Methodist Church, and the Poythress family was founding members of Riverside Methodist Church in Macon.

He attended Emory at Oxford, and earned his degree and his commission as an Air Force officer at “big Emory” in Atlanta. David served four years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force as a judge advocate officer (JAG.) He volunteered for duty in Viet Nam, and served one year as defense counsel and Chief of Military Justice at DaNang Air Base, in the Republic of Viet Nam.

David’s civilian career has included public service, military service, and private law practice.

Upon returning to civilian life, David held several positions in Georgia state government, including Assistant Attorney General, Deputy State Revenue Commissioner, and Secretary of State. During the 80’s, David practiced law in Atlanta, with concentrations in taxation and public finance. In 1992 he was elected statewide to the office of State Labor Commissioner, and he was re-elected in 1994.

David resigned as State Labor Commissioner in 1998 and ran for Governor of Georgia.

After leaving active duty, David remained in the Air Force Reserve, and attained the rank of Brigadier General. In 1999, then Governor Barnes appointed David Adjutant General – the commander of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard – in the rank of Major General. He was reappointed by Governor Perdue, who also promoted him to the rank of Lieutenant General – the first Adjutant General in Georgia history to wear three stars!

General Poythress has held several local and national leadership positions. He served as Vice Chairman of the Board of the National Guard Association of the United States, and is a member of the Board of Directors of Jobs for America’s Graduates. He served two terms as Chairman of the Board of the State YMCA of Georgia, and he previously served on the boards of Wesley Homes and the Atlanta Day Shelter for Women. David is a Rotarian and a Mason. He is a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the USO.

The General and his wife Elizabeth are members of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. They have three grown children, and eight grandchildren.

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