The Georgia Retailers is pleased to announce the hiring of Ben Cowart as their new Vice President of Government Affairs. Cowart joins Georgia Retailers from Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA), where he has served as Senior External Affairs Manager since 2015. Beginning January 17, 2023, Ben can be reached at ben@georgiaretail.org.
Cowart brings a wealth of experience in government relations and grassroots advocacy, a host of strong relationships, and expertise in external communications and crafting political strategy.
“I am excited to join the Georgia Retailers team and advocate on behalf of Georgia’s 134,000 retailers,” said Ben Cowart. “I look forward to working with the General Assembly and our partners to provide a strong unified voice for the retail industry. I’m eager for the opportunity to grow the association and promote the Georgia Retailers brand throughout the state of Georgia.”
Cowart will work alongside local state and federal officials to address key issues in the retail industry and lead the development and implementation of the association’s strategic initiatives. Cowart will also manage the organization’s political action committee.
Before joining GEFA, Cowart led business development initiatives and account management for healthcare organizations throughout the region.
Ben Cowart is an active member of the Georgia Chamber Government Affairs Council, a member of the Georgia Professional Lobbyist Association, and a graduate of the Zell Miller Leadership Institute.
Cowart is a Georgia native and an alumnus of the University of Georgia, where he received two degrees, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration in Innovation/Entrepreneurship.
He and his wife, Charlotte, reside in Decatur, GA.