Doctor Karla Lea Drenner is an American academic and politician from Georgia.
Education
She obtained a Bachelor of Science from West Virginia State College, an Master of Business Administration from Fontbonne College, a Master of Science from Southern Illinois University and a Doctor of Philosophy from Louisiana Salle University.
Career
Drenner has four degrees from four different universities. Drenner is an adjunct Professor at DeVry University where she teaches Environmental Science, Principles of Ethics and Leadership and Motivation. Drenner is also the owner and President of an environmental safety and health consulting firm.
Today, she is one of four LGBT members, alongside Representatives
Simone Bell, Rashad Taylor and Keisha Waites, all Atlanta Democrats. A resident of Avondale Estates, Drenner was first elected to the state house in 2000, defeating a four-term incumbent in what was then the 66th district.
The 85th district is 66% African American according to figures from the 2000 census. There have therefore been moves by some black leaders to replace Drenner with an African American.
Indeed, in 2006, she faced an aggressive primary challenge from Cynthia Tucker, a black medical professor
She faced no opposition in 2008 or 2010.
Membership
A Democrat, she is a member of the Georgia House of Representatives representing the state"s 85th district in Avondale Estates, DeKalb County. A lesbian, Drenner was the first ever openly gay member of the Georgia General Assembly.