John began his career in government in the Georgia House Appropriations Office. After leaving the legislative staff, Clayton went on to serve as Deputy Finance Director to former Governor Roy Barnes. John returned to the House where he played an important role in the 2002 election of Terry Coleman as Speaker of the House

While in government, he served at the highest levels in the Georgia House of Representatives as Chief of Staff to former Speaker of the House Terry Coleman. In that position, Clayton demonstrated his deft touch as he worked behind the scenes to shepherd controversial bills into law at a time of political acrimony and upheaval within state government. Once Speaker Coleman left office, Clayton assisted in the transition for the first Republican Speaker in Georgia’s history.

Clayton maintains strong relationships with key decision makers, in both parties, within the executive branch and legislative branch. He also has a proven ability to shape policy decisions within state agencies. His firm, Georgia Public Affairs, often represents Fortune 500 companies as well as public interests in front of all facets of state government. From transportation to healthcare Georgia Public Affairs has made an essential impact on policy in favor of their clients.

He is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A in Public Relations, and he also has his J.D. from Georgia State University. Clayton is a member of the Georgia Bar Association, Cartersville Zoning Board, as well as several boards at the state and local level.

Clayton was an original member of the Finance Committee for Governor Brian Kemp. He also has served on the Inaugural Executive Committee for Brian Kemp for Governor.

John is a proud member of the University of Georgia Alumni Association, as well as the Georgia State Alumni Association where he was selected as a member of their 40 under 40 class.

John and his wife Kate attend Macedonia Baptist Church and reside in Cartersville, GA with their two boys, Thomas and Jack, and daughter, Evie.