Paul Burks, an employee of the State of Georgia since 1976, was originally appointed Executive Director of the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) in 1993, and was reappointed to the position by Governor Perdue in May 2003. GEFA's activities include financing water, wastewater, land conservation and solid waste projects for local governments, and conducting programs in energy efficiency, home weatherization, and state fuel storage tank improvements.
Currently, nearly half of Georgia communities receive GEFA funding, with over $1 billion in approved loans. In 1991, he was selected State Government Manager of the Year. In 2006 he was selected the recipient of Georgia Excellence in Public Service Award for state/regional officials awarded by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government - University of Georgia.