ATLANTA – House Appropriations Chairman Matt Hatchett (R-Dublin) was recently honored by the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians with its Family Medicine Legislative Champion of the Year Award. The academy selected Chairman Hatchett for his efforts and significant contributions towards improving health care in Georgia.
“I want to thank the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians for their partnership and dedication to advancing family medicine in all communities across our state, especially rural Georgia,” said Chairman Hatchett. “This award reminds me that our accomplishments under the Gold Dome are only possible because of the Georgians who lend their expertise to create effective legislation with provable outcomes.”
The event to bestow his award will be held in Dublin before local family physicians and Chairman Hatchett’s colleagues.
“Rep. Hatchett’s outstanding dedication to advancing health care policies has made a positive impact on countless Georgians,” said GAFP President Sharon Rabinovitz, M.D. “His efforts in championing rural health care have been instrumental in bringing vital medical services to those who need them most.”
Chairman Hatchett played a pivotal role in advancing the GAFP’s family medicine-focused initiatives during the 2023 legislative session. As the leader of the House’s budgetary committee, he ushered in increased Medicaid payments to health care providers, showing stalwart support for bolstering primary care provision in rural and underserved communities.
With education and professional experience in business, Rep. Hatchett has remained active in his community, keen on making a difference. He was born and raised in Dublin, Georgia and graduated from Presbyterian College with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics with an Economic Emphasis. After working with Delta Air Lines, Inc. for six years in Atlanta, Chairman Hatchett returned to Dublin to start a family with his wife, Kim.
He has owned and operated several successful businesses since returning to Dublin. He presently works as the director of mission enhancement with Mercer University’s School of Medicine. He is a member of the Dublin Rotary Club and has served on the boards of the Dublin/Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, the Heart of Georgia United Way, as well as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Laurens County. He currently sits on the advisory board of the Citizens Bank of Laurens County.
“Rep. Hatchett’s unwavering dedication to enhancing health care outcomes for Georgia’s families underscores why he is most deserving of this recognition,” added Dr. Rabinovitz. “His impact on our state’s health care system is tremendous and transformative.”
Founded in 1947, GAFP is a chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians. GAFP’s mission is to promote Georgians’ health by advancing the family medicine specialty through education, advocacy and service to family physicians. The academy is comprised of more than 3,200 family physicians, residents and medical students.
To learn more about the GASP, please visit www.gafp.org or call 404-321-7445.
Representative Matt Hatchett represents the citizens of District 155, which includes Johnson and Laurens counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. He also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Health and Rules committees and is an Ex-Officio of the Ways & Means Committee.
###