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On behalf of the firm's Government Affairs practice, it is our pleasure to invite you to attend the firm's Government Affairs Breakfast Briefing series featuring:
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Karen Handel, Chairman of the Fulton County Commission |
May 11, 2005
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
303 Peachtree Street
Suite 5300
Atlanta, GA 30308
Karen was elected in November, 2003, in a special election as Fulton County’s first woman Chairman in history. Karen brings a candid, common-sense, do-the-right-thing approach to addressing the issues facing Fulton County.
Karen’s first exposure to politics was when she landed a job as the executive assistant to the vice president of the government affairs office for Hallmark Cards. This led to an appointment in the Bush-Quayle Administration to assist Marilyn Quayle in her breast cancer awareness activities. Karen supported Mrs. Quayle’s efforts to move breast cancer to the forefront of women’s health issues, working to establish October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, launch the Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure in Washington, DC, and secure increased funding for women’s health research. After leaving the White House, Karen set about fulfilling her career goal of heading a government affairs/communications office for a major national company. Karen held government affairs/communications positions with the accounting firm KPMG and the global eye care company CIBA Vision Corporation.
Government policy and community issues always remained a passion with Karen. When the CEO position for the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce became available, Karen eagerly left the corporate world to take on this new challenge.
Holding public office was never in Karen’s career plan, but that changed in 2000 when several business leaders suggested she run for Fulton County Commissioner. Karen lost that first race for District 2 Fulton County Commissioner in 2002. A strong believer in “things work out for the best,” Karen was disappointed but undeterred. A few months later, newly elected Governor Sonny Perdue tapped Karen as his Deputy Chief of Staff.
In her first year as Chairman, Karen has demonstrated a unique ability to deliver results in a difficult and sometimes divisive environment by embracing diverse views and ideas and seeking the common ground of shared goals. She has also established a reputation for tackling the tough issues head-on. Karen is a no-nonsense yet fair-minded leader who cannot be satisfied with the status quo. | 
