Biography

First Lady Sandra Deal travels the State of Georgia as an educator, author, historian, volunteer, and forever learner. As Georgia’s First Lady, Mrs. Deal promotes community service, volunteerism, and literacy initiatives alongside her husband of 51 years, Gov. Nathan Deal.

As a passionate advocate for literacy and student achievement, Mrs. Deal has read to students in all of Georgia’s 159 counties and 181 school districts, including 800 schools and Pre-K programs during her time as First Lady. As a former teacher of 15 years the Hall County School System, Mrs. Deal believes that reading is the gift that keeps on giving, and that education is the key to for any student to achieve future success. 

Mrs. Deal is a co-chair of the Georgia Literacy Commission, which hosts a series of symposiums to examine and improve multigenerational low literacy rates. As a part of her work to improve literacy rates across the state, she also plays a major role in “Read Across Georgia Month” during the month of March and has partnered with the Get Georgia Reading Campaign, an initiative to have all of Georgia’s students reading on grade-level by the end of the third grade. 

Mrs. Deal serves as a chairwoman of the Georgia Children’s Cabinet, which brings together community leaders, philanthropists, educators, and business stakeholders to best utilize resources and improve outcomes for children and families. Along with Mrs. Sandra Deal, the Georgia Children’s Cabinet has led campaigns such as “Babies Can’t Wait” and “Look Again.” This Cabinet has also worked to improve Georgia’s juvenile justice system and provide immunization cards for young children. Mrs. Deal also chairs The Georgia Older Adults Cabinet, which addresses policy matters related to aging and focuses on bringing awareness to the welfare of older Georgians. 

To encourage volunteerism and promote community service, Mrs. Deal launched a statewide campaign called “With a Servant’s Heart” in 2011. The initiative has introduced many Georgians to community service programs and volunteer opportunities in every corner of the state. Mrs. Deal also serves on the board of trustees for Georgia College, her alma mater. 

In 2015, Mrs. Deal co-authored a book, “Memories of the Mansion,” with two professors from Kennesaw State University, Dr. Catherine Lewis and Dr. Jennifer Dickey. “Memories of the Mansion” covers the rich history of the Governor’s Mansion and experiences of Georgia’s first families. Mrs. Deal also serves as a docent at the Governor’s Mansion, where she shares her own stories as a resident and her vast knowledge of the history, furniture, artwork, and architecture of the Mansion.

Governor Deal and First Lady Deal have four children and six grandchildren. As Mrs. Deal continues her journey as Georgia’s First Lady, she hopes to continue spreading the importance of family, lifelong learning, and community leadership.