Photo by Jenny Allen

Karyn Nixon | Political Aide

Karyn played an instrumental role in Mayor Deke Copenhaver’s campaigns and has stuck by Augusta’s man of change as his executive assistant. When Karyn moved to Richmond County with her husband and two young children in 2002, “politics were horrible,” she says. “It was disheartening.” Karyn and Deke met while working out at the Y and she soon learned of his plans to change the city and run for Mayor. Although Karyn had no political experience, neither did anyone working on his campaign except his campaign manager. “It was a grassroots effort,” she says. “Deke’s not a politician, we just went out and talked to people.” Deke won three campaigns in 13 months—the race for Interim Mayor, a runoff, and a landslide victory of two-thirds majority for a four-year term. As the Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Karyn says every day is different. “A normal day just isn’t normal.” 

3 ONLINE EXTRAS ABOUT KARYN:

1. Karyn tries to be at every ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremony. She and the mayor worked with the DDA to enhance Augusta’s Christmas Lights and Holiday Festivities. She attends the Mayor’s prayer breakfasts, the Master’s Reception and just about every other community event with Deke.

2. Karyn’s originally from Atlanta but now considers Augusta home.  

3. Karyn’s goal is for her children to be proud of the city they grew up in.