Sen. Blake Tillery (R – Vidalia) was recently named to the University of Georgia’s “40 Under 40” Class of 2019 by the UGA Alumni Association. This program celebrates the personal, professional and philanthropic achievements of successful UGA graduates under the age of 40.

“I am honored to be among the distinguished graduates of UGA being recognized as part of this year’s ’40 under 40’ class,” said Sen Tillery. “The friendships I gained at UGA molded me academically, professionally, and socially and I would not be where I am today but for my time there. It will always hold a special place in my heart because, though we grew up two counties away, I didn’t meet my wife until we were both at UGA (current students - you can find more than just great coffee at the Miller Learning Center Jittery Joe’s!). I am humbled to receive this recognition and most grateful for the spotlight it brings to our southeast Georgia community.” 

“We are excited to unveil this year’s class of ‘40 Under 40’ and welcome them back home to Athens for the awards luncheon in September,” said Meredith Gurley Johnson, Executive Director of Alumni Relations. “I am always amazed by the excellence of our young alumni. These outstanding individuals exemplify leadership in their industries and communities.”

Sen. Tillery is the managing partner of Smith and Tillery, P.C. in Vidalia. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the University of Georgia in 2006, and graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2010 with a Juris Doctorate. He was elected to serve the 19th Senate District in 2016.

The honorees will be recognized during the ninth annual 40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon Sept. 13 at the Tate Student Center on campus. The UGA Alumni Association supports the academic excellence, best interests and traditions of Georgia’s flagship university by inspiring engagement through relevant programming, enhanced connections and effective communications.

Sen. Blake Tillery serves as a Governor’s Administration Floor Leaders and represents the 19th Senate District, which includes Appling, Jeff Davis, Long, Montgomery, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, and Wheeler counties and a portion of Liberty and Tattnall counties.  

He can be reached at 404-656-0089 or by email at blake.tillery@senate.ga.gov.