Winning her current seat in Fulton with nearly 60 percent of the vote in a four-person election, she is the first woman chief executive of the state's largest and most populous county. Handel is widely recognized as one of the most effective and influential political leaders in the State of Georgia today.

Handel has been named one of the "100 Most Influential Political Leaders in Georgia" by Georgia Trend; one of "Georgia's 14 Divas," an award recognizing the state's leading business women by B2B magazine; one of "Georgia's Most Influential Political Leaders" by James Magazine; and as one of the "Most Influential Atlantans" by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

In 2002 she was chosen to serve as a member of Gov. Sonny Perdue's transition team and later served as Perdue's deputy chief of staff. She was selected by state Republican leaders to represent them at the Republican National Convention in New York and to serve as an official elector for President George W. Bush in the nation's Electoral College.

Before joining Perdue's staff and running for public office, Handel served as president and CEO of the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. She has also served as a business executive for several Fortune 500 companies, managing international communications and holding several other management positions with the global eye care company CIBA Vision. She also managed government and community relations for KPMG and worked in government affairs for the Hallmark Company.

During the administration of President George H.W. Bush, she received an appointment and worked for Vice President Dan and Marilyn Quayle. As the Deputy Chief of Staff, one of Karen's principle responsibilities was to assist Mrs. Quayle in her efforts to increase national breast cancer awareness. As part of Mrs. Quayle's initiatives, October became National Breast Cancer Month, the National Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was established, federal funding for breast cancer research was increased, and the Office of Women's Health was established at the National Institutes of Health.

Handel's presentation is being sponsored by the Fayette County Republican Party, who hosts a monthly breakfast the first Saturday of each month unless it falls on a holiday weekend. Candidates, elected officials and others regularly speak to members of the local Party and the general public. The meetings are free and open to the public. Membership is not necessary and breakfast may be ordered if desired. Dress is casual. For more information visit www.fayettecountygop.org or call 770-716-1545.