Governor-Elect Perdue Announces State's First COO

Respected executive Lientz recruited for new post

Atlanta - Governor-Elect Sonny Perdue has recruited former Bank of America executive Jim Lientz to fill the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer for the state.

"Jim Lientz is an outstanding addition to our team,” said Perdue. "State government should be a customer-friendly, people focused organization. Jim’s experience in the private sector will help translate that vision into a reality, creating a new organizational structure for our state. His willingness to step forward and share his unique set of private sector experiences to the state demonstrates the depth of bench talent on the New Georgia Team.”

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is charged with creating a customer friendly, people-oriented state government through the leadership, management, and supervision of state departments, agencies, and their respective boards and commissions.

"The New Georgia will put people before politics,” Perdue added. "We must develop our state employees, identifying talent and developing career paths, in order to provide better service to our customers, the citizens of Georgia.

A native of Savannah, James R. "Jim” Lientz, Jr. began his career in the financial services industry in 1968, following graduation from Georgia Tech and two years of service in the United States Army. Mr. Lientz built a reputation as a widely respected executive, retiring as President of Bank of America’s Mid-South Division in December 2000 and continuing his professional career as Chairman of the TriVeritas Group. He served as Chairman of the Metropolitan Atlanta Chamber in 2000 and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce in 1998. He and his wife, Peggy, have three daughters and reside in Atlanta.

"I appreciate the opportunity that the Governor-elect has given me to assume the role of a public servant,” said Lientz. "I have dedicated my life to success in the private sector and I plan to continue striving for results-oriented solutions in this public role."

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The Biography of James R. "Jim” Lientz, Jr.

Jim Lientz brings to the public sector over thirty years of experience in financial services, corporate management, and civic leadership roles. After serving as President of NationsBank of Georgia, he became head of Mid-South Banking in 1996 and assumed the Small Business responsibilities in 1998. As President with the responsibility for the Small Business Banking Segment of Bank of America nationwide, Mr. Lientz directed the delivery of financial services to over 1,700,000 small businesses.

Mr Lientz served as Chairman of the Metropolitan Atlanta Chamber in 2000. In 1998, he was Chairman of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and also served as Chairman of the Georgia Corporation for Economic Development that same year. During 1999 he was Chairman of the Woodruff Arts Center Corporate Campaign.

Jim Lientz, partner of The TriVeritas Group, joined Northwestern Mutual Financial Network after a stellar career in the financial services industry, having retired as the President of the Mid-South Division, Bank of America in December 2000. As Chairman of the TriVeritas Group, Mr. Lientz oversees the financial planning and performance of the organization, as well as the investment and trust operation. He chairs the Management Team and the Leadership Team, which is comprised of representatives from each functional division of the organization.

Mr. Lientz began his career in the financial services industry in 1968, following graduation from Georgia Tech and serving two years of active duty as an artillery officer in the U.S. Army. He earned an MBA from Georgia State University and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at The Harvard University School of Business.

His previous responsibilities included: oversight of the National Accounts line of business at Citizens and Southern National Bank (C&S), the International Banking division of C&S, responsibility for C&S’s Corporate Banking Group and President and CEO of C&S South Carolina. In 1992, as President of Nations Bank of South Carolina, Mr. Lientz directed the integration of C&S and North Carolina National Bank to form NationsBank in that state.

Mr. Lientz is a Trustee and an executive Committee member of the Georgia Tech Foundation, a Trustee of Rhodes College, The Lovett School, and the Georgia Research Alliance. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Advisors of The Carter Center and is a board member of The Commerce Club. He also serves as a Director of Atlanta Community Ministries and Citizens for Community Values.

He is Chairman of the Board of FCB Financial Corporation in Savannah, Georgia and a Director of the Georgia Power Company, Georgia Banking Company, and NDC Health. He is also an Advisory Director of Webtone Technologies.

He and his wife, Peggy, have three daughters and reside in Atlanta.

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Chief Operating Officer Mission

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is charged with creating a customer friendly, people-oriented state government through the leadership, management, and supervision of state departments, agencies, and their respective boards and commissions. The COO will ensure the prompt and efficient delivery of services and products to state agencies, state employees, and the citizens of Georgia. Reporting directly to the Governor, the COO will work closely with other members of the Governor’s Senior Staff, along with Constitutional officers. In addition to customer service, the COO will work to create a positive work environment for state employees, focusing on staff development, identifying talent, and developing career paths.