Georgia Secretary of State Press Office

Secretary of State Karen Handel Hires Matt Carrothers as Director of Media Relations

Atlanta -- Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel today announced that Matt Carrothers has joined her staff as Director of Media Relations. In this role, Matt will be primarily responsible for managing and coordinating media relations and strategies .

“I’m very excited that Matt is joining our team. He is a talented writer, and his experience will add strength to our communications team and our agency overall," Secretary Handel said.

Vicki Gavalas will continue to serve as the Director of Communications where she will concentrate on the education and outreach efforts for the Photo ID law, as well as other communications and outreach projects.

Prior to joining Secretary Handel’s staff, Matt was a syndicated columnist and the principal of Atlas Communications, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in political and media strategies, message and issue development and media relations. Clients of Atlas Communications included a mix of government and private organizations and individuals. Prior to founding Atlas Communications, Matt worked for businessman Herman Cain as political advisor, writer and producer of the popular Herman Cain Show radio program. Matt also served as political director for Mr. Cain’s 2004 Republican U.S. Senate campaign.

In 2003 Matt moved to Atlanta to serve as political director on Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel’s campaign for Fulton County Commission Chair. Matt has also worked as a district representative for a U.S. Congressman in Iowa, serving as the Congressman’s liaison to the business and civic communities.

Matt earned his B.A. in political science from Drake University and a Master’s degree in political science from Texas A&M University. Matt and his wife Debbie were married in May 2007. They reside in Vinings.

For Immediate Release October 2, 2007	FFI Contact: Matt Carrothers Director of Media Relations 404-656-4269

Secretary of State Karen Handel Hires Matt Carrothers as Director of Media Relations Atlanta -- Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel today announced that Matt Carrothers has joined her staff as Director of Media Relations. In this role, Matt will be primarily responsible for managing and coordinating media relations and strategies . “I’m very excited that Matt is joining our team. He is a talented writer, and his experience will add strength to our communications team and our agency overall," Secretary Handel said. Vicki Gavalas will continue to serve as the Director of Communications where she will concentrate on the education and outreach efforts for the Photo ID law, as well as other communications and outreach projects. Prior to joining Secretary Handel’s staff, Matt was a syndicated columnist and the principal of Atlas Communications, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in political and media strategies, message and issue development and media relations. Clients of Atlas Communications included a mix of government and private organizations and individuals. Prior to founding Atlas Communications, Matt worked for businessman Herman Cain as political advisor, writer and producer of the popular Herman Cain Show radio program. Matt also served as political director for Mr. Cain’s 2004 Republican U.S. Senate campaign. In 2003 Matt moved to Atlanta to serve as political director on Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel’s campaign for Fulton County Commission Chair. Matt has also worked as a district representative for a U.S. Congressman in Iowa, serving as the Congressman’s liaison to the business and civic communities. Matt earned his B.A. in political science from Drake University and a Master’s degree in political science from Texas A&M University. Matt and his wife Debbie were married in May 2007. They reside in Vinings.