About Mike

Michael Huel Keown, Sr. (Mike)

My name is Mike Keown. I was born in Canton, Georgia on May 11, 1954. I have been married to Kathy Clements Keown since December 24, 1972. Kathy, a Cairo native, and I have two sons. Michael, Jr. is married to Keumele Stewart Keown, a certified educator but currently a stay at home mom. They have two children, Carrie Elizabeth and Andrew Michael. Michael is a technology teacher and coach at Rabun County High School. Matthew Keown is married to Christina Matthews Keown. After an extended tour in Iraq, Matthew was honorably discharged from the Army in July 2004. Following graduation from Thomas University in 2008, Matthew serves as a police officer with the Thomasville Police Department. Christina, also an educator, is currently a stay at home with their son, Colt, born October 17, 2009. My wife, Kathy, is employed as Director of Title I and Special Projects for the Thomas County School system. I have been the Pastor of Coolidge Baptist Church in Coolidge, Georgia, since 2007, after 11 years as the pastor of First Newark Baptist in Thomasville, Georgia.

In 1972 I graduated from Cherokee County High School in Canton, Georgia.  I graduated from Shorter College in Rome, Georgia, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science in 1977.  In 1983, I graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.  I graduated with a Doctor of Ministry degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2003.  I also successfully completed the State of Georgia's Management Development Training Program in 1993 and earned a Certified Public Managers Certificate from the University of Georgia in 1994.  I consider myself to be a life-long learner.

In 1983 I moved to Thomas County to serve as the pastor of Coolidge Memorial Baptist Church.  In 1987 I resigned the church to become the Director of Pastoral Services at Greenleaf Center in Valdosta, Georgia.  One year later I was hired to start-up the chaplain program for the new Valdosta State Prison.   I moved through the ranks of the Valdosta State Prison as a Chaplain, Chief Counselor, and finally became the Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment in 1991.  After three years as Deputy Warden I moved to the Thomasville Diversion Center as Superintendent.  My mission in Thomasville was to bring the Center into compliance with Georgia Department of Corrections Standard Operational Procedures.  Upon completion of that mission, I requested a transfer back to Valdosta in 1995 to serve as Unit Manager of the Lowndes State Prison.   In 1996, I resigned to become the pastor of a new church in Thomasville.  I remain in that position today.

My political career began as Mayor for the City of Coolidge from 1986-1990.  In 1990, I was elected to the Thomas County Board of Education where I served 14 years.  During that time I served the people of Thomas County with enthusiasm and integrity.  I provided leadership for the board, serving as Chairman and Vice-Chairman several times. I learned a great deal during those fourteen years.

I was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2004 and subsequently reelected in 2006 and 2008. I have faithfully represented the people of Thomas and Grady County. I've voted my conscience and have refused to cave in to special interest groups.

Thank you for your support!