Handel, Karen, 1962-

Karen Christine Handel (née Walker; born April 18, 1962) is an American businesswoman and politician. A member of the Republican Party, she served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2017 to 2019 and as Secretary of State of Georgia from 2007 to 2010.

Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, she attended Prince George's Community College, in Largo, Maryland, and the University of Maryland, University College, in Adelphi, Maryland, but did not earn a degree. She then went to work for Hallmark Cards. Later, she served as deputy chief of staff to Second Lady Marilyn Quayle. In this role, she worked to promote breast cancer awareness and research. Handel next worked at several major companies, including the global eye-care company Ciba Vision and the international accounting firm KPMG. Handel and her husband, Steve, moved to the Atlanta area in 1994. She served as president and CEO of the Greater Fulton County Chamber of Commerce. From December 2002 to November 2003, Handel served as deputy chief of staff to Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, where she worked as a policy advisor and supervised constituent services, the Governor's Mansion, and general administration services. In November 2003, Handel was elected chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in a special election to replace Mike Kenn, receiving 58% of the popular vote, and continued to serve in that role until 2006.

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