WARD FOR ATHENS
A REASONABLE VOICE in unreasonable times.
About
Kris
Who am I?
I'm Kris Matthew Ward and I was born in Athens and grew up in Oconee County. I’ve spent most of my life here. I choose Athens because it’s a special town that I’m proud to call home.
I served this community in law enforcement, including as an Athens-Clarke County Police Officer, where I was recognized for my professionalism, my commitment to public safety, and my determination to keep our streets safe. My career in law enforcement ended in controversy, and that season gave me perspective, humility, and resilience that continue to shape who I am today.
Education has always mattered to me because it’s one of the few things that can never be taken away. I graduated from Oconee County High School, the Northeast Georgia Police Academy, Valdosta State University, the University of Georgia, and Mercer University, where I earned my MBA and was consistently recognized for academic achievement.
Professionally, I’ve built a career in sales and operations management for some of the largest and most successful companies in the world, consistently ranking among the top performers. I am also a small business owner dedicated to helping other small businesses succeed. I believe in business ethics and in stakeholder capitalism: The idea that businesses are part of the communities they serve. Corporations are not people; people are people, and communities thrive when business and community grow together.
Outside of work, I’m known for my love of coffee, my pride in my lawn, and my devotion to family and community. I love college football, especially our beloved University of Georgia Bulldogs, and I enjoy hosting family and friends for dinners and holidays. I believe those human connections are some of the most valuable parts of life.
I am grateful for this community and for the faith people have placed in me over the years. Today, I’m asking for the chance to repay that faith by serving District 5 as a reasonable voice in unreasonable times.
Why I'm Running
Fighting Forward: An Athens That Works For You.
Times are tough for everyday families in Athens.
The reports and elite-sounding metrics might say things are fine, but my friends and neighbors know better. Wages are stuck, costs keep climbing, housing is out of reach, and people are left wondering if the next wave is going to be the thing to knock them down.
My name is Kris Matthew Ward and I am asking to be your next District 5 Commissioner for Athens-Clarke County. I'm proud to call this community - where I have spent nearly 15 years of my life - home. I love Athens and all it has to offer, but that doesn't mean that things couldn't be better. That's why I want this job - because I want to represent you in City Hall.
I know what it means to face tough times and tough fights. Like many people in Athens, I’ve had challenges, and I’ve come through them stronger. Those experiences taught me resilience, accountability, and the value of standing tall when others would quit. That is the same determination I will bring to serving District 5.
A Better Vision for Athens
When I was a kid, Athens was the big brother in this region, but now Jackson and Oconee are thriving while we stand still. The census data proves it. We need to make sure our citizens have access to jobs with wages and benefits that allow them to thrive... and that let them use the incredible healthcare systems we are proud to have in Athens.
I'm running because I want the chance to represent you. I believe that you deserve someone on the Athens-Clarke County Commission who understands what it means to be an Athenian and who knows what it takes to build a stronger more resilient future.
I want to be your next commissioner so I can fight to put Athens first, to put working families first, and to attract the businesses, jobs, and opportunities that reflect our values of equity, opportunity, integrity, accountability, and community.
Dignity in Work. Security at Home. Stability for Athens.
Dignity in Work
There is dignity in work, but too many people in Athens are stuck in jobs that don’t provide it. Our families are working hard in hospitality, at UGA, and in service industries, but wages have not kept up with the cost of housing, healthcare, and food. That is why our community keeps falling behind while Oconee and Jackson race ahead.
What Dignity in Work Means
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Fair Wages: Jobs that pay enough to support a family without needing two or three shifts.
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Real Benefits: Healthcare, retirement, and stability built into employment so families are not one emergency away from disaster.
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Respect for Workers: Companies that value the people who make their success possible.
How We Get There
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Attract the Right Businesses: Athens cannot afford to look closed to business. We will welcome companies that reward hard work and treat people right.
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Build a Safe, Proud Community: Businesses choose places where their employees will feel safe and where they can proudly announce they are investing. Athens should be that place.
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Put Athens First: End the cycle of watching good jobs go to Oconee and Jackson while our people are left behind.
Dignity in Work is about restoring Athens as the place where hard work pays off and where families can thrive.
