Zahra Karinshak

Zahra S. Karinshak is an American attorney, and former state senator, who represented the 48th Georgia State Senate district.

Early life and career Karinshak was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the oldest of five children. She grew up in LaFayette, Georgia, where she attended LaFayette High School.

In 1985, Karinshak was nominated by Congressman George Darden to attend the United States Air Force Academy, where she served as a soaring instructor pilot. She graduated in 1989 with a BS degree in International Affairs and a Minor in Arabic. She was also recognized as the Top Graduate in Law. Karinshak was subsequently commissioned as an intelligence officer in the United States Air Force.

As an Air Force officer, Karinshak received numerous military awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Karinshak has served as a partner at the Atlanta-based law firm of Krevolin & Horst, LLC since 2011, where she leads the firm’s whistleblower and white collar criminal defense practices.

Personal life Karinshak has lived in Lawrenceville, Georgia since 1994 with her husband, Bruce, and their two children. Karinshak's husband and two of her four siblings are also military veterans.