Don Balfour brings decades of legislative leadership and policy experience to his role at Ohio River South. He was the longest-serving Republican in the Georgia State Senate, representing Gwinnett County for more than 20 years. During his tenure, he chaired influential committees, including Rules and Reapportionment, and played a pivotal role in landmark legislation, such as property tax freezes and eminent domain reforms.
Balfour also led a number of national policy associations, serving as President of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), chairing the Recommended Legislation Committee for the Council of State Governments (CSG), and holding multiple posts within the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Through these memberships, he built an expansive network encompassing dozens of states and three levels of government.
An accomplished executive, Balfour was a corporate leader for three decades with Waffle House, a globally-recognized restaurant chain with 1900 locations across 25 states. A graduate of Bob Jones University and Fairleigh Dickinson University, Balfour is deeply rooted in his community, serving on various boards and advocating for conservative policies. He and his wife, Ginny, reside in Snellville and are active members of Grace Fellowship Church.