Perdue Taps Swearingen to Head Transition Team

Atlanta - Governor-Elect Sonny Perdue today announced that former President of Bell South Georgia, Carl Swearingen, will head Perdue's government transition team. This team will assemble the first Republican administration in modern Georgia history.

"Carl's was the only name I thought of to head my transition team," Perdue said. "He is a respected member of the business community and an expert in organizational management. He also has practical experience and a passion for education which I view as the number one issue in Georgia today."

"I am honored to be a part of this historic event," Swearingen said. "It is a historic opportunity to bring positive change to this state and to ensure the transition goes smoothly."

BIOGRAPHY OF CARL E. SWEARINGEN

Carl Swearingen began his telecommunications career with Southern Bell in 1972 in Tucker, Georgia, as an office manager and worked in various management positions throughout metro Atlanta, Valdosta, and Augusta. In 1977 he became general public relations manager for Georgia, and in 1985 became assistant vice president - public affairs for BellSouth Telecommunications Inc. in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 1989 he was named president of BellSouth Telecommunications in Georgia serving in that position for nine years. In 1998 he was promoted to Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary for the BellSouth Corporation. He retired from BellSouth in 2001.

Mr. Swearingen is a native of Parkersburg, West Virginia, and is a graduate of the University of Georgia, where he earned bachelor and master degrees in journalism in 1967 and 1969, respectively. He also received a masters of science degree in management from MIT in 1985. As a University of Georgia Air Force ROTC cadet, Mr. Swearingen was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the United States Air Force. He served on active duty as an Air Intelligence Officer in Cam Rahn Bay and Saigon, South Vietnam and at Homestead AFB, Florida. He received the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam.

He has been quite active in community affairs serving on the boards of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the University of Georgia Foundation, and Berry College. He has been Chairman of Governor Miller's Advisory Council on Science and Technology, Chairman of the University of Georgia National Alumni Association, Chairman of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, Chairman of the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism, and Chairman of the National Board of Advisors of the Museum of Aviation located at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center. Additionally, he has been involved in many fundraising projects including the United Way, Boy Scouts, American Cancer Society, and Zoo Atlanta.

Mr. Swearingen is married to the former Patricia Collier, has two married children, and one grandchild.