Georgia Secretary of State Press Office

Handel Consolidates Budget and Administration Divisions, Names Director

Secretary of State Karen Handel has moved to consolidate the Administration and Budget Divisions of her office, streamlining the office and making it more cost effective.

“I am determined to make this agency the most cost-efficient and effective,” Handel explained. “The decision to streamline these divisions is an important step in achieving that goal.”

Minuard “Mickey” McGuire will serve as Director of Administration and Budget. McGuire headed the Budget Division when he joined the Secretary of State’s office in January of 2004 and has served as acting head of the Administration Division since November 2006. He has 34 years of experience at the city, regional and state levels. He has worked with the Atlanta Regional Commission, the late Mayor Maynard Jackson and under five governors.

“Mickey’s vast and tenured career makes him the perfect fit and I am convinced that he will continue to encourage a high level of integrity, competence and efficacy in every area under his purview,” Handel said.

McGuire received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Talladega College, Talladega, Alabama and his Masters of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida. He has also served as a member and on the board of directors of many professional and charitable organizations, including the American Society of Public Administrators, Council on Battered Women (Atlanta Metropolitan Chapter) and Georgia C.H.A.R.L.E.E. (group homes for troubled children)A Chicago native, Mickey and his wife, Bernice, have lived in Atlanta since 1973.

Secretary Handel also announced that Betty Strickland will serve as Finance Officer and oversee the budget and accounting activities for the agency. Betty has worn many hats in the accounting and budget offices since joining the Secretary of State’s office in 1984. “Betty’s experience and knowledge of our complicated budget process makes her an excellent choice for this position,” said Handel.

Strickland, an Atlanta native, graduated from Clark Atlanta University with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. She and her husband, Frederick, have three children and five grandchildren.

Karen Handel was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State's office offers important services to our business community, our government, and our citizens. These services include an efficient and secure election process, and the regulation of corporations, securities, and professional license holders. The Office also controls the state archives and the Capitol museum.

For Immediate Release February 21, 2007	FFI Contact:Matt Carrothers Director of Communications 404.656.5792

Handel Consolidates Budget and Administration Divisions, Names Director Secretary of State Karen Handel has moved to consolidate the Administration and Budget Divisions of her office, streamlining the office and making it more cost effective. “I am determined to make this agency the most cost-efficient and effective,” Handel explained. “The decision to streamline these divisions is an important step in achieving that goal.” Minuard “Mickey” McGuire will serve as Director of Administration and Budget. McGuire headed the Budget Division when he joined the Secretary of State’s office in January of 2004 and has served as acting head of the Administration Division since November 2006. He has 34 years of experience at the city, regional and state levels. He has worked with the Atlanta Regional Commission, the late Mayor Maynard Jackson and under five governors. “Mickey’s vast and tenured career makes him the perfect fit and I am convinced that he will continue to encourage a high level of integrity, competence and efficacy in every area under his purview,” Handel said. McGuire received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Talladega College, Talladega, Alabama and his Masters of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida. He has also served as a member and on the board of directors of many professional and charitable organizations, including the American Society of Public Administrators, Council on Battered Women (Atlanta Metropolitan Chapter) and Georgia C.H.A.R.L.E.E. (group homes for troubled children)A Chicago native, Mickey and his wife, Bernice, have lived in Atlanta since 1973. Secretary Handel also announced that Betty Strickland will serve as Finance Officer and oversee the budget and accounting activities for the agency. Betty has worn many hats in the accounting and budget offices since joining the Secretary of State’s office in 1984. “Betty’s experience and knowledge of our complicated budget process makes her an excellent choice for this position,” said Handel. Strickland, an Atlanta native, graduated from Clark Atlanta University with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. She and her husband, Frederick, have three children and five grandchildren. Karen Handel was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State's office offers important services to our business community, our government, and our citizens. These services include an efficient and secure election process, and the regulation of corporations, securities, and professional license holders. The Office also controls the state archives and the Capitol museum.