
Media Contact
Jennifer Ellen French
Public Relations Manager
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
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ATLANTA — Jack Bernard (B.A. ’69, M.P.A. ’76) has charted a remarkable journey, which has taken him from being a young married student balancing family life with his education to a multifaceted career spanning corporate America, public service and advocacy.
As the first in his family to attend college, Bernard found Georgia State’s flexibility crucial to his success. This foundation set the stage for Bernard’s wide-ranging career, from industrial management consulting to healthcare executive roles, and eventually to public service as a county commissioner.
“I’ve always credited Georgia State as being one of the factors in my success,” he said. “Georgia State made my education affordable and flexible, which was essential as I balanced work and studies.”
Bernard’s career path has been anything but linear. After his undergraduate studies, he transitioned into industrial management consulting under a federal contract, drawing on experience from working at his father’s garment factory. This led to a management role, after which he pivoted into healthcare, becoming the first director of health planning for the state of Georgia. His journey then took him through the private sector, where he eventually rose to senior executive positions with healthcare corporations like Humana.
However, Bernard’s passion for public service never waned. After leaving the corporate world, he served as a county commissioner, chaired a rural Georgia county commission and sat on a board of health for multiple terms. His commitment to community service continues today as he chairs the board of health at Fayette FACTOR, a community action agency dealing with mental health issues and the general well-being of residents in Fayette County. He is also the chairman of the Fayette Board of Health.
Bernard’s expertise and dedication have earned him positions on several notable boards, including the Georgia Public Health Association executive board and the National Association of Local Boards of Health. He also serves on statewide advocacy committees for the American Association of Retired Persons and the American Heart Association.
In addition to his extensive board work, Bernard has made significant contributions to public policy discourse as an editorial columnist on his website, Universal Health Reform for America. Over the past decade, he has published more than 1,600 articles and op-eds in newspapers across the states of North Carolina, Texas, Georgia and West Virginia, focusing on issues of healthcare reform and social equity. His enduring connection to Georgia State’s Andrew Young School is evident in a 2018 article for The Newnan Times-Herald, where he calls the school “an under-appreciated treasure.”
Reflecting on his diverse career, Bernard emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking and adaptability, tracing his path from community organizing to corporate leadership and back to public service.
“I’ve always been interested in social issues and racial equity,” he explained. “This passion has guided my career choices, allowing me to apply my business acumen to address community needs.”
Now, as a member of the AYS Alumni Council, Bernard is eager to give back to the institution that supported his growth.
“I like the diversity and the way it has evolved, so I wanted to give back and be involved in the continuous evolution,” he said.
As part of the council’s Marketing and Communications Committee, Bernard aims to help the alumni network grow and progress, using his own experiences in executive positions.
Reflecting on his own varied career path, Bernard encourages students to take advantage of the university’s alumni career services and to remain open to diverse opportunities while staying committed to their academic pursuits.
“Take your academics seriously and think long term about your career plans,” he said.
Bernard’s story is a strong reminder of the lasting impact of a Georgia State education and the myriad ways alumni can contribute to their communities and university long after graduation.
Are you an alum of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies? To connect with alumni like Jack Bernard, learn more about how you can get involved with the AYS Alumni Council and stay updated on AYS news and opportunities, click here.
- By AYSPS Graduate Student Assistant Ayomidotun Olugbenle (M.A. in Communication)