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Jim Butterworth (politician)

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Jim Butterworth
Major General Jim B. Butterworth
Director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency
In office
2015–2016
GovernorNathan Deal
Preceded byCharley English[1]
Succeeded byHomer Bryson[2]
Adjutant General of Georgia
In office
2011–2015
GovernorNathan Deal
Preceded byTerry Nesbitt[3]
Succeeded byJoe Jarrard[4]
Member of the Georgia Senate
from the 50th district
In office
2009–2011
Preceded byNancy Schaefer
Succeeded byJohn Wilkinson
Member of the Habersham County Commission
from the 1st district
In office
2005–2009
Succeeded bySonny James[5]
Personal details
Political partyRepublican
EducationUniversity of Georgia

Jim Butterworth was appointed Director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency by Governor Nathan Deal in January 2015.[6] Previously, Butterworth served as the adjutant general (TAG) of the Georgia National Guard.[7]

Early life and education

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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.

Early career

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Butterworth was appointed by Governor Deal to adjutant general and promoted to the state rank of major general. Prior to his appointment, the highest rank he attained was captain. He was never recognized by the U.S. Air Force as a general officer nor rank above major though he continued to refer to himself as a Major General. During his time as adjutant general, Butterworth had numerous 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 for ethical misconduct.[8][9][10] The plaintiff was awarded $480,000.[11]

Political career

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Butterworth previously served as the chairman of the Habersham County, Georgia[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ "GEMA director Charley English to step down". WSBTV. 24 November 2014.
  2. ^ Bauder, Charlie (October 18, 2016). "Butterworth To Leave GEMA". WNEG.
  3. ^ "Deal appoints Butterworth to adjutant general | Governor Nathan Deal Office of the Governor". Archived from the original on 2018-07-21. Retrieved 2018-07-21.
  4. ^ "New adjutant general: 'It's fun to come to work with heroes every day'". MDJOnline.com.
  5. ^ "Habersham County, Georgia: County Commissioners". Archived from the original on 2009-02-14. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
  6. ^ "Deal announces leadership changes | Governor Nathan Deal Office of the Governor". nathandeal.georgia.gov.
  7. ^ Scott Fontaine. "From captain to two-star general in a day". Flightlines.
  8. ^ Russell, Dale. "National Guard officer alleges helicopter misuse". MyFoxAtlanta. Fox 5. Retrieved 18 June 2015.
  9. ^ Russell, Dale. "State settles whistleblower complaint against former General Jim Butterworth". Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  10. ^ "Whistleblower lawsuit targets 'unethical' behavior of Ga. National Guard head - Political Insider blog". ajc.com. Archived from the original on 2015-06-28. Retrieved 2015-06-16.
  11. ^ Barnett, Karli. "Grabowski gets $480K in Georgia National Guard lawsuit". Statesman Journal. Retrieved September 2, 2021.[permanent dead link]