The Georgia Council on Aging named State Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) as the 2025 Legislator of the Year at the CO-AGE Annual General Meeting on July 14, 2025. Lumsden expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted his commitment to supporting Georgia’s aging population. Lumsden said “It’s a privilege to be recognized by such a dedicated group of advocates who work tirelessly to support Georgia’s seniors. I’m grateful for this recognition and remain committed to advancing policies that support and uplift our aging population”. Rep. Lumsden has served House District 12 since 2012 and holds various committee positions, including Chairman of the House Insurance Committee. Lumsden sponsored House Bill 238, which focuses on training for officers responding to those with dementia.  CO-AGE and the Georgia Council on Aging praised his dedication to improving seniors’ lives.  Read the compete story below:

The Georgia Council on Aging recently honored State Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) as the 2025 Legislator of the Year during the Coalition of Advocates for Georgia’s Elderly (CO-AGE) Annual General Meeting, which took place on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Chateau Elan in Braselton, Georgia.

“I am honored to be named the 2025 Legislator of the Year by the Georgia Council on Aging and CO-AGE,” said Rep. Lumsden. “It’s a privilege to be recognized by such a dedicated group of advocates who work tirelessly to support Georgia’s seniors. I’m grateful for this recognition and remain committed to advancing policies that support and uplift our aging population. I look forward to continuing our shared efforts during the 2026 legislative session to make Georgia a place where seniors can live, age and thrive.”

Each year, CO-AGE brings together advocates, policymakers and community leaders from across the state to shape the upcoming legislative agenda focused on aging issues. This year, Rep. Lumsden was recognized for his commitment to Georgia’s older adult population and his legislative leadership.

A lifelong resident of Floyd County and a veteran public servant, Rep. Lumsden serves House District 12 – covering all of Chattooga County and parts of Floyd County – since first being elected in 2012. His public service spans decades, including a 27 – year career with the Georgia State Patrol, two terms on the Floyd County Commission and years of small business ownership alongside his wife Teresa.

Currently, he serves as Chairman of the House Insurance Committee and sits on several committees, including Human Relations & Aging, Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development, Defense and Veterans Affairs, Governmental Affairs, Public Safety and Homeland Security and Rules.

Among his recent legislative achievements, Rep. Lumsden sponsored House Bill 238, a bill submitted by the Alzheimer’s Association and supported by the Georgia Council on Aging and CO-AGE. The bill requires the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council to create and maintain an at-risk adult training course, focusing on officer response to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. HB 238 was passed by the Georgia General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp.

“Representative Lumsden has been a true champion for Georgia’s aging population,” said Debra Stokes, Executive Director of the Georgia Council on Aging. “His leadership, service and advocacy continue to advance meaningful solutions for older Georgians statewide.”

Rep. Lumsden accepted the award in front of an audience of advocates and fellow legislators, as CO-AGE prepared to set the stage for the 2026 legislative session.

The Georgia Council on Aging and CO-AGE extended congratulations and appreciation to Rep. Lumsden for his continued dedication to improving the lives of Georgia’s seniors.