Governor Perdue Appoints Jud Turner Executive Counsel

Josh Belinfante and Edward Tate to serve as Deputy Executive Counsels

            ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the appointment of Judson H. “Jud” Turner as Executive Counsel – chief legal advisor to the Governor.  Turner previously served as the Governor’s Deputy Executive Counsel.  He will be filling the position vacated by Rebecca Sullivan who is on leave expecting the birth of her son.

“During the past four years, my administration relied on Rebecca’s advice and counsel, now we wish her the best as she prepares for her son’s birth,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “Jud’s experience in state government and the private sector will allow him to ably step into Rebecca’s role as executive counsel.”

Prior to joining the Executive Counsel’s Office, Turner, 32, served as general counsel for the Georgia Department of Education (DOE).  Before that, he worked as an associate attorney at Bradley, Arant, Rose & White LLP in Birmingham, Alabama where he practiced general commercial litigation.  He is a board member of the Griffin-Spalding County Educational Foundation and a staff member of the American Legion Boys’ State Program.  Turner received his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law and his bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the University of Georgia.  He lives in Griffin with his wife, Courtney, and children, Townsend and Wellesley.

Governor Perdue also announced the appointment of two Deputy Executive Counsels. Prior to joining the Governor's Office, Josh Belinfante, 29, served as Legal Counsel to the Judiciary Committee of the Georgia House of Representatives and was an associate at Balch & Bingham LLP in Atlanta.  Before joining Balch & Bingham, Belinfante served as a law clerk to Chief Judge J.L. Edmondson of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.  His civic involvement includes service on the boards of the Atlanta Chapters of the Federalist Society and the Jewish National Fund, as well as the Pace Academy Alumni Board.  Belinfante received his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law and his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Pennsylvania.  He and his wife, Karina, live in Sandy Springs with their son, Cole.

Edward Tate will join Belinfante as a Deputy Executive Counsel next week.  Tate, 30, of Atlanta, is currently an associate with King & Spalding LLP.  His prior governmental experience includes having served as a legislative assistant and a campaign manager for then U.S. Congressman Johnny Isakson.  Tate received his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law and his bachelor's degree in government from Harvard College.

“Edward and Josh will make excellent additions to this administration.  They will be valuable assets to the counsel team,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  

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