Controversial State Sen. Chip Rogers to step down, join GPB

State Sen. Chip Rogers, who came under scrutiny recently for hosting an ex-Tea Partier's lengthy session linking public-private partnerships, local chambers of commerce and a United Nations project called Agenda 21, has resigned his seat, Woodstock Patch reports.

Rogers, 44, said in a statement he plans to accept a position with Georgia Public Broadcasting, located at 260 14th Street in Midtown.

"The opportunity to help lead Georgia Public Broadcasting is like a dream come true in many respects," he said.

GPB is launching a new initiative in which it will "facilitate coverage of economic development and jobs in Georgia," according to a press release from Rogers' office.

Rogers will spearhead the initiative with a statewide, weekly radio program that will examine "current economic development trends and highlighting companies that are growing and creating jobs."

"GPB has a long history of serving Georgians with programming that is relevant to career and consumer issues, said Nancy Zintak, vice president of marketing and communications of GPB in a news release. “We have long-wanted to create a forum for our communities to learn about jobs in Georgia and areas of growth around the state.”

The initiative will begin in January of 2013, and the radio program will debut in spring of 2013.

"I am honored by this incredible opportunity,” Rogers said in a GPB news release. “Much of my career has been spent in broadcasting and helping my constituents. This melds both my passions.  I look forward to creating programming on GPB that will move our great state of Georgia forward by helping connect Georgians to jobs."

Rogers stepped down from the Georgia General Assembly on Wednesday, December 5, where he has served since 2002. Rogers' decision comes weeks just after he decided not to seek re-election to the senate majority leader post.