State House Speaker Jon Burns announced Wednesday Hall County native Chris Riley will serve as interim chief of staff in the Office of the Speaker for the remainder of the 2025 Legislative Session.
The announcement comes after the hospitalization of Terry England, who has served as chief of staff to Speaker Burns (R-Newington) since 2023.
“I’m excited to be welcoming Chris Riley to our team in the Speaker’s Office for the remainder of this legislative session,” Speaker Jon Burns said. “While we’re deeply saddened by the circumstances of this transition, Chris brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that will be invaluable as we continue our work on behalf of the people of our great state. No one knows Terry England’s mind and heart for Georgia better than Chris Riley—and I’m confident he will step into this role with Terry’s love for our state at the forefront of his leadership as interim chief of staff.”
Riley previously served as chief of staff for Georgia Governor Nathan Deal (R) from 2011 to 2018. Riley also operates a small cattle farm in north Hall County.
“Terry England has been a tireless advocate for Georgians in every corner of our state for decades, and it’s an honor to be welcomed into this role while he recovers,” Riley said. “I’m looking forward to working alongside my friend Speaker Burns as he continues to advance a strong, common-sense agenda in the House.”
