Governor Announces Josh Belinfante as new Executive Counsel

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the appointment of Josh Belinfante as executive counsel for the Office of the Governor. Belinfante, who currently serves as deputy executive counsel, follows Jud Turner, who has served as executive counsel to Governor Perdue since January 2007. Turner is returning to private practice effective June 1 to launch a new firm with Chuck Bachman and Heath Garrett named Turner Bachman & Garrett LLC. The new practice will focus on education, legislative and regulatory law, government relations and litigation.

“Jud’s integrity, work ethic and strong legal instincts have been invaluable to me and the citizens of this state,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Although he worked on a number of important issues, his service on behalf of Georgia in the tri-state water negotiations has won praise and respect from our federal partners and Alabama and Florida as well.”

Turner will continue as a special executive counsel on the ongoing water litigation.
Governor Perdue also announced today that Deputy Executive Counsel Edward Tate will also serve as Deputy Chief Operating Officer under state COO Jim Lientz.

“Josh and Edward have both been terrific assets to our office, providing our staff and the General Assembly legal and policy advice on a wide range of issues,” said Governor Perdue. “I am confident they will continue their great work in these new positions.”