Jim Butterworth (politician)
Jim Butterworth | |
---|---|
Director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency | |
In office 2015–2016 | |
Governor | Nathan Deal |
Preceded by | Charley English[1] |
Succeeded by | Homer Bryson[2] |
Adjutant General of Georgia | |
In office 2011–2015 | |
Governor | Nathan Deal |
Preceded by | Terry Nesbitt[3] |
Succeeded by | Joe Jarrard[4] |
Member of the Georgia Senate from the 50th district | |
In office 2009–2011 | |
Preceded by | Nancy Schaefer |
Succeeded by | John Wilkinson |
Member of the Habersham County Commission from the 1st district | |
In office 2005–2009 | |
Succeeded by | Sonny James[5] |
Jim Butterworth was appointed Director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency by Governor Nathan Deal in January 2015.[6] Butterworth announced his resignation following Hurricane Matthew on October 17, 2016.[7] Previously, Butterworth served as the adjutant general (TAG) of the Georgia National Guard.[8]
Early life and education
Butterworth is a graduate of the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science, and was active in Air Force ROTC. He was named "AFROTC Cadet of the Year" two of his four years at Georgia.[9]
Early career
Mr. Butterworth was appointed by Governor Deal to Adjutant General and promoted to the State Rank of Lieutenant General. Prior to his appointed the highest rank he attained was Captain. He was never recognized by the U.S. Air Force as a General Officer. During his time as adjutant general, Butterworth had complaints filed against him. One complaint was substantiated for improperly using Blackhawk helicopters to deliver a game ball to his former high school. Butterworth was forced to reimburse the government for the use of the helicopter. In April 2015, the State of Georgia settled a whistleblower lawsuit filed against him.[10][11][12]
Political career
Butterworth previously served as the Chairman of the Habersham County, Georgia Commission. He took office in 2005 and served for the 1st district.[13] Butterworth unseated an incumbent to win a Senate seat[14] in the 50th District of the Georgia State Senate until his appointment to adjutant general in 2011. He served in that position until he took over in January 2015 for outgoing Director Charley English.[15]
References
- ^ https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/gema-director-charley-english-stepping-down/137852152
- ^ https://wnegradio.com/butterworth-to-leave-gema/
- ^ https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2011-09-06/deal-appoints-butterworth-adjutant-general
- ^ https://www.mdjonline.com/news/new-adjutant-general-it-s-fun-to-come-to-work/article_38a5a30f-2e23-54e1-9ab7-8dedda459107.html
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20090214100556/http://www.habershamga.com:80/commissioners.cfm
- ^ https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2016-10-17/deal-announces-leadership-changes
- ^ https://politics.myajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/matthew-marched-toward-georgia-pressure-rose-for-state-responders/KBAyIByIWu7Ft1pPDXuVEO/
- ^ Scott Fontaine. "From captain to two-star general in a day". Flightlines.
- ^ http://www.senate.ga.gov/senators/Documents/PrintBios/BioButterworthJim722.pdf
- ^ Russell, Dale. "National Guard officer alleges helicopter misuse". MyFoxAtlanta. Fox 5. Retrieved 18 June 2015.
- ^ Russell, Dale. "State settles whistleblower complaint against former General Jim Butterworth". Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- ^ "Whistleblower lawsuit targets 'unethical' behavior of Ga. National Guard head - Political Insider blog". ajc.com.
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20070927202340/https://www.habershamga.com/commissioners.cfm
- ^ http://www.senate.ga.gov/senators/en-US/Member.aspx?Member=722&Session=20
- ^ https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/blog/capitol_vision/2014/11/gov-deal-shuffles-state-agency-chiefs.html