SPOUSEBIOBOOK - National Governors Association

National Governors Association
GOVERNORS’
SPOUSES’
Biographies
2014
National Governors Association
Governors’ Spouses’ Program
Spouses’ Leadership Committee. The Spouses’ Leadership Committee (SLC) is an elected body of
governors’ spouses who determine the scope and format of major spouses’ program activities. SLC is a
six-member, bipartisan committee composed of the spouses of the National Governors Association
(NGA) chair and vice chair; and four members—two Democrats and two Republicans—elected from the
remaining spouses by ballot. Elections are held in the month before the Summer Meeting each year.
Spouses’ Program Initiative. The SLC chair is invited to identify an issue or set of issues that serves as a
focus for program activities for the coming year.
NGA Winter Meeting. This meeting is held annually in Washington, D.C. The governors’ spouses’
business program runs parallel to the governors’ agenda. The spouses also are invited to attend the
governors’ plenary sessions and join the governors for the evening social events.
Spouses’ Seminar. NGA sponsors an annual governors’ spouses’ seminar (usually in the spring) hosted by
a different governor’s spouse each year. The seminar commonly highlights initiatives and projects of the
host governor’s spouse and also focuses on personal and professional development and experience
sharing.
Spouses’ Assistants and Residence Managers Seminar. NGA sponsors an annual management seminar for
spouses’ assistants and residence managers, which provides participants an opportunity to meet with their
peers and exchange ideas and best practices relating to their unique roles and responsibilities. Common
topics addressed include serving the governor and first family, maintaining open communication, teambuilding, managing staff and volunteers, balancing roles, effective scheduling tools and strategies,
designing and implementing successful initiatives and events, fundraising ideas and strategies and
managing the residence.
NGA Summer Meeting. This meeting is hosted by a different governor and his or her spouse each year,
usually in July or August. The spouses’ agenda may feature business sessions and visits to local programs
relating to priorities or areas of interest of the host governor’s spouse and/or the SLC chair. The host
governor’s team also designs a program for governors’ children and generally is more informal in nature
than the Winter Meeting.
Publications. An online Directory of Governors’ Spouses is published annually. Additional resources and
a listing of OMCT publications can be found on the NGA website (direct link: www.nga.org/omct).
NGA Staffing. The Spouses’ Program is coordinated through the Office of Management Consulting &
Training and directed by Marcia Lim. Her telephone number is: 202/624-7810; fax: 202/624-7814; and email: [email protected].
National Governors Association
444 North Capitol Street, Suite 267
Washington, DC 20001-1512
Alabama
Dianne Bentley is a native of Montgomery, Alabama. After graduating from
Lanier High School, she pursued a degree in bacteriology at the University of
Alabama. She and Governor Robert Bentley met during his first year of medical
school. After marrying in 1965, they settled in Tuscaloosa, where then–Dr.
Bentley established his dermatology practice.
While living in Tuscaloosa, the first lady was a member of First Baptist Church.
She facilitated a women’s bible study for 30 years and taught Sunday school for
28 years. In her spare time, she enjoys working with her quilters’ guild, which has
displayed and sold quilts throughout Alabama. She is particularly inspired by what
are known as “ugly quilts,” made and rolled using old ties and donated for use by the homeless.
As first lady, Mrs. Bentley has chosen to promote volunteerism across the state, believing in the
importance of making the citizens of Alabama better aware of opportunities to give of their time to their
communities.
The Bentleys have four sons: John Mark (wife: Amy), Paul (wife: Melissa), Matthew (wife: Katy) and
Luke. They also are the proud grandparents of six granddaughters.
Alaska
Sandy Parnell became the first lady of Alaska when her husband, Sean Parnell, was
sworn in as the state’s 10th governor on July 26, 2009. Governor Parnell was elected as
Alaska’s lieutenant governor in November 2006 and previously served as a state
senator and state representative.
The first lady advocates for educational opportunities. To prepare young Alaskans to
achieve their educational goals, Mrs. Parnell focuses on literacy and the love of
learning among elementary students. Partnering with Scholastic Books’ Reading
Ambassadors program, the first lady shares the joy of reading by personally
distributing books to schools and reading to students. She also is a strong supporter of Governor Parnell’s
Choose Respect initiative to end the epidemic of domestic violence and sexual assault in Alaska. She has
participated in annual marches and visited shelters to meet with victims and survivors.
In 2008, the first lady enrolled in several American Sign Language classes through the University of
Alaska. Since then, she has been an advocate for the needs of the deaf community, calling for early
detection and support for children who are deaf or hard of hearing, especially in Alaska’s remote
communities.
Mrs. Parnell earned a degree in business administration from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma,
Washington, in 1984. While a student there, she met Governor Parnell. The couple married and moved to
Alaska soon after he finished law school in 1987.
The Parnells have two daughters, Grace and Rachel, and a son-in-law. They currently reside in Juneau
with their yellow Labrador retriever, Annie.
American Samoa
Cynthia Malala Moliga, first lady of American Samoa, was born and raised in
Honolulu, Hawaii. She studied at both Catholic University of America in Washington,
D.C., and Chaminade University in Hawaii, where she received her bachelor’s degree.
Mrs. Moliga’s professional background and work experience involve education,
outreach, employment training and social services. She has served as a teacher in
Hawaii, New Jersey, New York and Puerto Rico. After relocating to Arizona, she also
worked in support of Native Americans for five years.
Upon moving to American Samoa, Mrs. Moliga taught briefly at Samoana High School before starting a
dedicated career with the American Samoa Department of Human Resources (DHR). During her tenure
with DHR, she served as a program manager in the social services division and later as an employment
trainer and career development specialist and facilitator in the employment and training division. Mrs.
Moliga later served as a program manager for the American Samoa Department of Youth & Women’s
Affairs.
The first lady is a member of the American Samoa Organization on Aging, whose mission is to advocate
for the needs, concerns and quality of life of the elderly population of the territory.
The first lady and her husband, Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga, value this opportunity to work with the
local government and community leaders in serving the people of American Samoa. They are the proud
parents of two daughters and grandparents to two grandsons.
Arkansas
Ginger Beebe was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and raised in Searcy, Arkansas.
Adopted as a young child, she credits her parents with teaching her the value of
helping others and inspiring her passion for women’s and children’s issues. She
became first lady when her husband, Mike Beebe, was inaugurated as the 45th
Governor of Arkansas on January 9, 2007. As first lady, she supports causes that are
important to the people of Arkansas and encourages all Arkansans to volunteer their
time in the service of others.
Mrs. Beebe has traveled the state meeting with families whose children are dealing
with mental illnesses, and she supports the National Alliance on Mental Illness
(NAMI) in Arkansas by chairing NAMI Walks each year. Combining her support for mental health with
her love of the arts, the first lady serves on the art advisory committee for the Psychiatric Research
Institute. She also works with numerous organizations to promote Arkansas artists and artisans.
Mrs. Beebe partners with groups that share her goal of reducing childhood obesity. She served as
honorary chair of the Natural Wonders Partnership Council, an Arkansas Children’s Hospital group that
addresses the health needs of children in the state. She also advocates the importance of maintaining a
healthy diet and regular exercise when she visits schoolchildren.
The first lady supports the homeless and individuals with special needs. Most recently, she created an
audio tour of the governor’s mansion herb garden for use by blind and visually impaired visitors.
Mrs. Beebe is a member of the advisory board for Women and Children First and was honored as the
organization’s Woman of the Year in 2011. She serves on the board of the Women’s Foundation of
Arkansas and speaks annually at the foundation’s Girls of Promise seminars. She also is a board member
of the Arkansas Discovery Network and the Creative Economy Advisory Panel.
The first lady and her husband have three children and five grandchildren.
California
Anne Gust Brown grew up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. She received her
bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and her law degree from the University of
Michigan.
Mrs. Brown enjoyed a long, successful career in the business field. She left her
position as chief administrative officer for the clothing retailer Gap, Inc., in 2006 to
assume the role of campaign manager for then–Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown’s race for
attorney general of California.
Mrs. Brown served as special counsel to Governor Brown when he was California's attorney general, and
in January 2011, she was appointed special counsel in the Office of the Governor.
The first lady and her husband, Governor Jerry Brown, were married in 2005.
Colorado
Helen Thorpe is a freelance journalist whose magazine stories have appeared in The
New York Times Magazine, New York, George, Westword and 5280. Her first book,
Just Like Us, chronicles the lives of four girls of Mexican heritage growing up in
Denver.
Born in London, England, Ms. Thorpe grew up in Medford, New Jersey. She has
worked as a staff writer for The New York Observer; The New Yorker, where she wrote
“Talk of the Town” stories; and Texas Monthly. She also has produced radio stories
that have aired on This American Life and Soundprint.
She currently serves on the boards of two nonprofit organizations, the Clayton Family Foundation and the
Colorado Children's Campaign, both of which focus on ensuring the success of all children.
The first lady and Governor John Hickenlooper, have one son, Theodore.
Connecticut
Cathy Malloy, first lady of Connecticut, is a dedicated and compassionate
community leader, manager and mother who has devoted her life to helping others.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Mrs. Malloy is a twin and the youngest of six
children. She graduated from Boston College in 1977 and worked in the restaurant
and hospitality industry for more than 20 years. After leaving the restaurant business,
Mrs. Malloy became vice president of development for the United Way of Greenwich
and Stamford.
The first lady formerly served as executive director of the Center for Sexual Assault
Crisis Counseling and Education. In that position, Mrs. Malloy made a significant impact on every aspect
of the nonprofit organization, including raising funds and adding education as a critical component to the
center’s crisis counseling services. She has been a strong advocate for vulnerable populations at risk of
sexual assault, including persons with disabilities, homeless men and women, drug and alcohol addicts
and victims of human trafficking.
A passionate supporter of the arts, Mrs. Malloy is currently employed as the CEO of the Greater Hartford
Arts Council. She has served as chair of the Stamford Arts in Education initiative and as a board member
of the Connecticut Grand Opera and Orchestra and the Stamford Center for the Arts. She also has served
on the advisory boards of the Stamford Museum and Nature Center and the State of Connecticut Victim
Advocate.
The first lady and her husband, Governor Dan Malloy, met when they were college students. The Malloys
were married in 1982 and have three sons: Dannel, Ben and Sam.
Delaware
Carla Markell became first lady of Delaware when her husband, Governor Jack
Markell, was sworn into office on January 21, 2009. As first lady, Mrs. Markell has
focused on helping at-risk children and encouraging volunteerism. A mentor to several
youth over the last decade, she personally has seen how the commitment of a caring
adult can make a real difference. She believes that mentoring, as well as an exposure
to the arts and sports, can transform the lives of young people.
Mrs. Markell is a native of Newark, Delaware, where she and the future governor were
high school classmates. She graduated from the University of Delaware, majoring in
human resources and early childhood education. Mrs. Markell’s professional life was
spent primarily in the area of corporate training and human resources. Most recently, she worked in the
outplacement field, assisting employees and corporate executives in making the transition from
downsized companies to new career opportunities. Prior to that, she worked for a chemical dependency
treatment center as an executive in marketing, community relations and employee awareness education.
The first lady has served on the board of directors for the Delaware Theatre Company, which honored her
in 2007 with its Stephen Daniel Faulk Volunteer Award. Since 2010, Mrs. Markell has helped organize a
Week of Service each April involving the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service,
the State Office of Volunteerism and members of the community.
Since assuming the role of first lady, Mrs. Markell has worked with Friends of Woodburn, Delaware
Public Archives and Winterthur Museum and Gardens in the ongoing process to renovate Woodburn, the
governor’s home, with the help of private donations and extensive volunteer efforts.
The Markells have been married for 22 years. They have two children: Molly (20), now in college, and
Michael (17), a high school student at the Charter School of Wilmington.
Florida
Ann Scott, first lady of Florida, is a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend. She is a
firm believer in family, strong values, community involvement and the power of a
good education. Mrs. Scott received a degree in business administration from Southern
Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
An avid reader, the first lady spends time visiting students at schools and libraries
across Florida, encouraging them to read and to write. She believes that great readers
become great learners and early learning leads to academic success. She also urges
Floridians of all ages to eat healthfully and to be active. The Scotts support the
Salvation Army, United Way, Naples Zoo, Conservancy of Southwest Florida and
Liberty Youth Ranch, a home for abandoned, abused, neglected and orphaned children in Collier County,
Florida. They also have worked with World Vision to create a primary health care system in Bunyala,
Kenya.
The Scotts were high school sweethearts and have been married for 39 years. They have two married
daughters, Allison and Jordan.
Georgia
Sandra Deal has centered her life on matters involving family and children in her
roles as mother, grandmother, teacher and volunteer in her church. Following her
parents' example, Mrs. Deal chose teaching as a profession. She graduated from what
is now Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville.
Mrs. Deal has since retired from education and devotes her time to being a partner in
her husband's public service and an active grandmother. Her platform as first lady,
“With a Servant’s Heart,” is based on a foundation of volunteerism, community
involvement and outreach.
The first lady and her husband, Governor Nathan Deal, met on a blind date as college students. They have
been married since 1966 and have four children and six grandchildren. They are members of First Baptist
Church in Gainesville, Georgia.
Guam
Christine Sonido Calvo is a native of Guam and a graduate of Notre Dame High
School in Talofofo, Guam. She is president and owner of Todu Marketing LLC, a
small graphic and printing business.
The first lady’s initiatives reflect her deep commitment to family and children,
particularly at-risk youth. She co-chairs the Guam Early Learning Council, serves as
honorary chairperson of AmeriCorps and plans to assist with programs aimed at both
adult and children’s reading aptitude. She and her husband, Governor Eddie Baza
Calvo, are fully committed to the systems-of-care concept and advocating in support of
children with special needs and their families.
The first lady also will be leading efforts to enhance sports tourism. She is manager of the Guam Rugby
Football Union and Women’s Team and has led Guam athletes to regional and international competitions
and victories. She also is the head coach of the Academy of Our Lady of Guam and the St. Francis
Catholic School girls’ rugby teams.
The Calvos have six children: Edward, Vinson, Rosae, Paul Jerome, Melva and Celine, and the first lady
is deeply involved in her children’s educational upbringing, serving as a volunteer for numerous school
activities. In addition, she is honorary chairperson of the Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers
Association and is an honorary member of the Filipino Ladies Association of Guam.
Hawaii
A native of Alabama, Nancie Caraway moved to Hawaii in the early 1970s. She had
been living in Houston, Texas, where she had been working for Texaco, Inc. and Delta
Airlines. An authority on international human trafficking, Dr. Caraway currently serves
as a consultant to U.S. Ambassador Luis C. de Baca in the Office to Monitor and
Combat Trafficking in Persons. She also serves as a mentor at the East-West Center’s
Asia-Pacific Leadership Program.
Dr. Caraway earned her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in political science
from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She also holds a master’s degree in journalism
from Columbia University. She received the Victoria Schuck Award from the American Political Science
Association for her book, Segregated Sisterhood: Racism and the Politics of American Feminism, published
in 1991.
The first lady and her husband, Governor Neil Abercrombie, were married in 1981.
Idaho
Lori Jean Otter, first lady of Idaho, was born in Pensacola, Florida. When her father
retired from the Navy, the family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, and oversaw a family
farm. The youngest of four children and the only girl, the future first lady became
active in 4-H and Future Farmers of America. After graduating from Kimberly High
School, she earned an associate’s degree in English literature from the College of
Southern Idaho in Twin Falls and a bachelor’s degree in education and physical
education from Boise State University.
Mrs. Otter spent 12 years as physical education and health teacher in Arizona and Idaho,
where she also coached basketball and volleyball at the middle and high school levels. After earning a master’s
degree in 2004 from Northwest Nazarene University in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on
educational leadership, Mrs. Otter spent two years as a school administrator.
The first lady is a board member of the St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center Foundation, the Treasure
Valley Reading Foundation, Idaho Governor’s Cup and the Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free
Foundation. She also serves on the general advisory board for the International Orphans Project, which
provides opportunities for Idaho schoolchildren to learn about and assist children in need around the
world. Mrs. Otter also serves as summer reading ambassador for the Idaho Association of Libraries. She
has written three children’s books, which educate fourth-graders about Idaho history. She serves with
Governor Otter on the Idaho Meth Project Advisory Council and has worked to promote and launch the
Idaho Meth Project, a campaign designed to reduce the first-time use of methamphetamines by youth in
Idaho.
Mrs. Otter is an avid horseback rider and rodeo fan, raising and training horses on the Otters’ ranch in
Star, Idaho. She has four stepchildren and six grandchildren.
Indiana
Karen Pence has served as an elementary school teacher for more than 25 years. She
also has established her own online watercolor art business and has exhibited her
paintings for several years at Penrod, a fine arts festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mrs.
Pence is honorary chair of the Art Therapy Initiative at Riley Children's Hospital in
Indianapolis and board member of Tracy's Kids, an art therapy program for several
children's hospitals in Washington, D.C.
Mrs. Pence earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in elementary education from
Butler University. She and Governor Pence have been married since 1985 and have
three children: Michael, 21; Charlotte, 19; and Audrey, 18.
Iowa
Christine Branstad was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and first served as Iowa’s first lady
from 1983 to 1999. Her husband, Governor Terry Branstad, holds the distinction as the
longest-serving governor of Iowa.
As Iowa’s first lady, Mrs. Branstad focuses on issues related to children and health and
safety, with an emphasis on substance abuse. She serves on the boards of the Food
Bank of Iowa and the Des Moines Symphony. She also has served as honorary chair of
the Iowa Network of Drug Information, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the Iowa
Head Injury Association, the Iowa Safety Council, Youth and Shelter Services and the Volunteer
Connection. She was actively involved in the Terrace Hill Commission and the Terrace Hill Endowment
for the Musical Arts.
In 1992, the first lady graduated with honors from Des Moines Area Community College. She went on to
work as a certified medical assistant in Des Moines area doctors’ offices. During the past 12 years, she
has focused on volunteering at several central Iowa schools and the Boone County Hospital.
The Branstads were married on June 17, 1972. They have three children, Eric, Allison and Marcus, and
four grandchildren.
Kansas
Mary Brownback is a native of Kansas City, Kansas. She received a bachelor’s
degree in business from the University of Kansas and lettered in tennis for four years.
She went on to earn her law degree from the University of Kansas. She met her
husband, Governor Sam Brownback, during law school and they were married in
1982. Mrs. Brownback served as a law clerk for Kansas Supreme Court Justice David
Prager and later worked as a vice president in a trust department.
After their first two children were born, the first lady became a full-time mom and
began volunteering in the Topeka area. She is a passionate advocate for adoption and
foster care and has worked to bring attention to these and other children’s issues. The
Brownbacks have five children, including two who were adopted: Abby, Andy, Liz, Mark and Jenna.
Kentucky
In her many roles as a businesswoman, educator and community leader, Jane Beshear,
first lady of Kentucky, has dedicated her life to the service of others.
Mrs. Beshear is a longtime volunteer board member of many local and state civic
organizations. Presently she is an ex officio officer of the Kentucky Commission on
Women and serves on the board of Recovery Kentucky, which provides assistance to
individuals dealing with alcohol and drug addiction.
A lifelong equine enthusiast and advocate, Mrs. Beshear has served as a board member
of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and Equestrian Events Inc., which organizes the Kentucky Rolex
3-Day Event. Additionally, she was a member of the World Equestrian Games Foundation Board, which
hosted the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Equestrian Games at the Kentucky Horse Park,
in Lexington, in September of 2010. This event, traditionally held in Europe, attracted more than 500,000
attendees from around the globe.
Her Horses and Hope initiative increases breast cancer awareness, education, screening and treatment
referral among Kentucky’s horse industry workers and their families. Mrs. Beshear also hosts Kentucky
breast cancer survivors at the Annual Celebration of Hope luncheon each May.
A former teacher, Mrs. Beshear is passionate about education. She organized Graduate Kentucky: A
Community Approach, which focuses on school dropout prevention and increasing graduation rates in
Kentucky public schools.
In 2009, Mrs. Beshear launched the Governor’s Garden effort to increase awareness about the benefits of
locally grown produce. She also strives to make Kentucky more energy-efficient through
www.GreenTeam.ky.gov, a program that promotes sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental
preservation. An advocate for local tourism and economic development, the first lady promotes
Kentucky’s Adventure Tourism initiative, and she has testified in support of legislation authorizing tax
incentives for filmmakers in Kentucky.
The Beshears have been married for more than 40 years and have two sons and three grandchildren.
Louisiana
Supriya Jindal became the first lady of Louisiana when her husband, Governor
Bobby Jindal, was sworn into office on January 14, 2008.
Mrs. Jindal grew up in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans, Louisiana, and later moved
with her family to Baton Rouge. She attended public schools, where she first met her
future husband, and graduated from Grace King High School in New Orleans. She
attended Tulane University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in chemical
engineering and a master's degree in business administration. Mrs. Jindal worked at
Monsanto Chemical in Luling while attending graduate school, then went to work as
an engineer for the Albemarle Corporation in Baton Rouge. She also has finished all coursework toward a
doctorate in marketing from Louisiana State University.
As first lady, Mrs. Jindal focuses on education, highlighting the importance of math and science to young
students and encouraging parents to read to their children. In addition to visiting classrooms and
participating in hands-on science experiments with students, she has established the Supriya Jindal
Foundation for Louisiana’s Children. This nonprofit foundation works to increase the use of interactive
technology in Louisiana’s classrooms.
Mrs. Jindal also supports the artistic endeavors of Louisiana students and has dedicated a wall at the
governor’s mansion to spotlight different student artists each month. The first lady also is involved with
the Louisiana Pediatric Cardiology Association, the Louisiana Special Olympics, the American Heart
Association and the Louisiana Shots for Tots Coalition.
The Jindals were married in October 1997 and have three young children: Selia, Shaan and Slade.
Maine
Ann LePage became the first lady of Maine when her husband, Governor Paul
LePage, was sworn into office as the state’s 74th governor on January 5, 2011. A
Maine native, Mrs. LePage grew up with a strong work ethic and loyalty to family.
Believing family comes first, Mrs. LePage has been a strong supporter of her
husband’s public service throughout their married lives. She also took a leading role in
raising money for local booster programs. The first lady is grateful to have had the
opportunity to work a part-time schedule while her children were young, and she is
proud to be able to share in their achievements as successful adults.
As the first lady, Mrs. LePage is a passionate advocate for soldiers and military families. In addition,
caring for her mother over the past few years has heightened her awareness of elder care and its
importance in the community. Her time spent volunteering during her children’s school years has given
her an inside view of how she can best serve public education initiatives through her role as first lady.
The LePages have been married for 26 years and have five children: Lindsay, Lisa, Paul II, Lauren and
Devon Raymond.
Maryland
Katie O’Malley, first lady of Maryland, has a long history of public service. She
began her career in law in 1988 as a clerk in the Baltimore County state’s attorney’s
office while attending law school at the University of Baltimore. After graduating, she
was promoted to an assistant state’s attorney position for Baltimore County, where she
handled many domestic violence cases and child, sexual and physical abuse cases.
Judge O’Malley was appointed to the bench in 2001 and currently serves as an
associate judge of the District Court of Baltimore City.
The first lady has been a strong advocate for the rights of victims and has served in the
fight to end domestic violence, participating in several House of Ruth functions and giving lectures both
locally and overseas. She also is passionate about ending bullying in schools and partnered with Facebook
and Time Warner in 2011 to promote National Bullying Prevention Month. She continues to visit public
and private schools, colleges and universities and organizations in Maryland to raise awareness and
advocate for the prevention of domestic violence and bullying.
Judge O’Malley has served on the executive committee of the Women’s Bar, House of Ruth, the Caroline
Center and the Baltimore Zoo. Currently, she is a member of the Baltimore City Bar Association, a volunteer
truancy court judge and a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland.
The first lady and her husband, Governor Martin O’Malley, have four children: Grace, Tara, William and
Jack.
Massachusetts
Diane Patrick, first lady of Massachusetts, has established a record of excellence and
distinguished professional and public service as a lawyer, teacher, mother and active
member of her community. Mrs. Patrick was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1951.
She received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Queens College
of the City University of New York in 1972. After graduation, Mrs. Patrick spent five
years teaching elementary school in New York City. Mrs. Patrick received her law
degree in 1980 from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles and worked for the Los
Angeles law firm of O’Melveny and Myers.
After moving to Massachusetts in 1986, she served as Harvard’s university attorney in the Office of
General Counsel for six years before becoming director/associate vice president for human resources. She
also worked for the Washington, D.C., firm Hogan Hartson, where she was a member of both the
education and labor and employment law practice groups. Currently she is a partner at the law firm of
Ropes & Gray in Boston.
Throughout her life and professional career, the first lady has dedicated herself to community and public
service. She has served on the boards of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Jane Doe, Inc., and
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, among others. Currently, she serves on the board of the Posse
Foundation and is an overseer at The Epiphany School.
As a former public school teacher, Mrs. Patrick understands both the challenges and rewards of the
classroom, and believes in the power of early-start education for pre-K and kindergarten.
Mrs. Patrick also has been an outspoken advocate in the Massachusetts’s ongoing effort to end domestic
violence and has been actively engaged with families, agencies and law enforcement to support victims
and to identify and address the root causes of domestic abuse.
The Patricks were married in 1984 and have two daughters, Sarah and Katherine. The Patrick family has
lived in Milton since 1989.
Michigan
Michigan’s first lady, Sue Snyder, is a native of Dearborn, Michigan. She met her
husband, Governor Rick Snyder, while both were working at Coopers & Lybrand (now
PricewaterhouseCoopers) in Detroit, and they were married in 1987.
Mrs. Snyder has been an active community volunteer, serving on the board of The
Neutral Zone in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a nonprofit center for teens designed to promote
personal growth and realize their dreams. The first lady also is the spokesperson for
Ele’s Place in Lansing and Ann Arbor, a healing center for grieving children and their
families. She is past president of the board and development chair of Daycroft
Montessori School, as well as past president of the Parents Guild.
Mrs. Snyder is a graduate of Dearborn High School and attended Western Michigan University, with a
focus on business and administration.
The Snyders have three children: Jeff, 25; Melissa, 22; and Kelsey, 17.
Mississippi
With a heart for service, First Lady of Mississippi Deborah Bryant has dedicated her
professional and personal life to caring for those around her.
Mrs. Bryant retired from St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson after more than 39 years.
She focused her professional efforts on quality and performance improvement within
the hospital.
As first lady, Mrs. Bryant has made a firm commitment to serving the people of
Mississippi from all walks of life. Her love of children has led her to joining efforts in
supporting Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi, and serving as an Ambassador for
UMMC.
With early childhood education being a focal point of her platform, Mrs. Bryant will “Read Across
Mississippi” to students in all 82 counties throughout 2014.
She continues to be involved in Governor Bryant’s Teen Pregnancy Task Force, meeting with youth,
educators, political and religious leaders throughout the state.
Another passion of Mrs. Bryant’s is the preservation of the 1841 Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, which
is the second oldest consecutively occupied residence in the United States. Her commitment to overseeing
the daily operation of the mansion and maintaining a 173 year old building is a top priority for both she
and Governor Bryant.
In addition to her role as First Lady, Mrs. Bryant works part time as Director of Community Development
at Community Bank.
She and Governor Bryant, her husband of 37 years, have two grown children, Katie and Patrick, and are
active members of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Brandon, Mississippi.
Missouri
Georganne Wheeler Nixon, first lady of Missouri, has taught in the public school
system and practiced law. During her professional career, she also served as vice
president at Central Trust and Investment Company; director of contracts for William
Morrow & Co., Inc., in New York; and director of services for the Missouri Bar. She
holds degrees in education and law from the University of Missouri, Columbia.
As first lady, Mrs. Nixon has taken a special interest in promoting causes and
initiatives related to the natural beauty of Missouri. She has worked closely with
horticulture experts at the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis and Powell Gardens near Kansas City
to plan and design a vegetable and herb garden on the grounds of the governor’s mansion. She is working
with the Missouri Department of Agriculture to expand community gardens and farmers’ markets
throughout the state, and she hosts the first lady’s pie contest at the Missouri State Fair. She serves as
honorary chair for Missouri Citizens for the Arts, Missouri Verses and Voices, Missouri Center for the
Book and Missouri’s Poet Laureate.
The first lady and her husband, Governor Jay Nixon, a former four-term attorney general of Missouri,
have two sons, Jeremiah and Will. The family also has a Welsh Springer Spaniel, Daniel Boone.
Montana
Lisa Downs Bullock was born in Helena, Montana, and is the oldest of six children.
She attended Helena public schools and earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and
computer science from Carroll College in Helena and began working on her master’s
degree in applied mathematics at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
She has worked for IBM, Northrop Grumman, MAXIMUS and has taught high school
mathematics. Currently she is an IT project manager for CourtViewJustice Solutions, a
company that engineers, installs and supports justice information and process
management systems.
Mrs. Bullock serves on the board of the Lewis & Clark County Community Foundation, an organization
that provides financial support to charitable projects in the greater Helena area.
The Bullocks have three children: Caroline, 11; Alexandria, 9; and Cameron, 7. In her free time, Mrs.
Bullock enjoys volunteering at her children’s elementary school and coaching her son’s basketball team,
as well as skiing, hiking and playing basketball.
Nebraska
First Lady of Nebraska Sally Ganem was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and
graduated from Omaha South High School. She received her bachelor’s and master’s
degrees from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
As the former principal of Howard Elementary School in Fremont, Nebraska, Ms.
Ganem is a strong advocate of early learning and childhood literacy. She works with
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and serves as co-chair of RIF’s First Spouses Circle, a
coalition of governor’s spouses who serve as children’s literacy leaders in their
communities. She has been involved in several educational organizations, including
the Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals, where she served as an
officer and member of various committees, and the Nebraska Council of School Administrators.
Ms. Ganem is the honorary chair of ServeNebraska, an organization that promotes volunteerism in
Nebraska. She established the First Lady’s Outstanding Community Service Award to recognize
exemplary volunteer efforts of individuals and groups who help to make Nebraska a better place to live,
work and raise families.
The first lady is treasurer for Keeping Children Alcohol Free (a national organization of current and
former governor spouses), and she is a member of the national board of Mothers Against Drunk Driving,
the board of directors of the Nebraska Children and Family Foundation and the advisory board for
Methodist Women’s Hospital.
The first lady and Governor Dave Heineman have been married for more than three decades. They have
one son, Sam, who graduated from Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska, and is a certified
public accountant with an Omaha accounting firm. Their daughter-in-law, Jessica, is a graduate of the
University of Nebraska’s business college.
Nevada
A native Nevadan, First Lady Kathleen Sandoval grew up in Reno and graduated
from Wooster High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and
speech pathology and audiology from California State, Long Beach. She also holds a
master’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, and completed her thesis on the
whole-language approach for speech language pathology. Mrs. Sandoval’s career has
included work as a speech language pathologist, with a focus on traumatic brain
surgery, and as a rehabilitation program director for extended career facilities.
The first lady currently serves as director of the Family and Youth Intervention (FYI)
Program at the Children’s Cabinet in Reno. In this role, she works closely with children and youth to
reduce school truancy; evaluate mental health issues; support homeless, runaway and abused children;
and prevent family violence.
As first lady, Mrs. Sandoval works to advance awareness of children’s mental health issues. She is a
member of the advisory board for Nevada Child Seekers in Las Vegas and was formerly a member of the
State Marriage and Family Therapy Board and the advisory board for National Safe Place. She is a
frequent speaker at national programs and conferences.
The first lady and her husband, Governor Brian Sandoval, have been married since 1990. They have three
children: James, Maddy and Marisa.
New Hampshire
Thomas (Tom) Hassan has been the principal of Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter,
New Hampshire, since 2009. He first came to Exeter in 1989, serving as director of
college counseling and later dean of admissions and assistant principal. He has taught
mathematics and junior studies at the academy and advised student organizations,
including Best Buddies and the Random Acts of Kindness club.
Dr. Hassan received a bachelor’s degree from Brown University and master’s and
doctorate degrees from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he also
formerly taught a course on independent secondary school administration. Prior to
joining Exeter, Dr. Hassan served as admissions officer and associate director for alumni relations at
Brown University. At Harvard, he worked as an assistant dean of freshmen and an undergraduate
financial aid/admissions officer.
Dr. Hassan is a board member of The Association of Boarding Schools and former board member of the
Association of Independent Schools of New England and School Year Abroad. As first gentleman of New
Hampshire, he is promoting volunteerism throughout the state, and he also serves as board president of
the Executive Residence. He and Governor Maggie Hassan have two children: Ben, 24, and Meg, 19.
New Jersey
Mary Pat Christie, first lady of New Jersey, has successfully combined her roles as
wife and mother with a business career and community service. Born in Paoli,
Pennsylvania, Mrs. Christie is the ninth of 10 children. She is a graduate of the
University of Delaware and earned a master’s degree in business administration and
finance from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. She currently is the
managing director at Angelo Gordon.
Mrs. Christie is active in her children’s lives, participating in their various school and
team functions. She also is involved in her church, St Joseph’s in Mendham, New
Jersey, and contributes to the family liturgy, confirmation class activities and soup kitchen outreach.
Following the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the first lady partnered with Governor Christie in organizing
the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund to aid and rebuild communities most affected by the storm.
Mrs. Christie has made this a priority of hers and plans to use the Relief Fund to help with the long-term
rebuilding of New Jersey.
As first lady, Mrs. Christie is focused on recognizing people and groups who inspire pride in others and
help them to become more self-sufficient members of society. In 2010, she founded a nonprofit
organization, New Jersey Heroes, to recognize and celebrate the work of individuals and nonprofit
organizations in New Jersey.
Mrs. Christie also is passionate about the governor’s residence in Princeton, New Jersey, officially known
as Drumthwacket. Through her work with the Drumthwacket Foundation, thousands of New Jersey
citizens and schoolchildren will continue to have the opportunity to experience this historic house and
grounds.
Mrs. Christie and her husband, Governor Chris Christie, met in college and have been married for 27
years. The Christies have four children: Andrew, Sarah, Patrick and Bridget.
New Mexico
A native of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Chuck Franco recently concluded a career in
law enforcement that spanned more than 30 years and included service as a game
warden, police officer, magistrate judge and Doña Ana County undersheriff. He holds
a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from New Mexico State University.
Throughout his career, Mr. Franco has focused on helping people in communities
throughout New Mexico. Mr. Franco is a committed advocate of mentoring and youth
development and has long been involved with A. Fielder Memorial Safe Haven's
“Weed and Seed” initiative. This program aims to prevent, control and reduce violent
crime, drug abuse and gang activity, assisting at-risk youth in high-crime neighborhoods.
The first gentleman and his wife, Governor Susana Martinez, were married in 1991. His son, Carlo,
recently served in the U.S. Navy Special Forces and is currently a firefighter in Las Cruces and a student
at New Mexico State University.
North Carolina
Ann McCrory, first lady of North Carolina, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in
education and history from Limestone College in Gaffney, South Carolina. She later
received her master’s in counseling from Winthrop College in Rock Hill, South
Carolina, and started her career as a human resources executive in Charlotte, North
Carolina.
In her role as first lady, Mrs. McCrory is focusing on advocating for members of the
military and their families with events such as a school supply drive and other family
support initiatives. She is promoting volunteerism and raising awareness for pet
adoption and fostering by hosting a successful dog adoption event with rescue puppies at the executive
residence. She also is supporting volunteerism and domestic violence awareness through the Council for
Women and the Durham Rescue Mission.
The first lady and her husband, Governor Pat McCrory, were married in 1988.
North Dakota
Betsy Dalrymple became first lady of North Dakota on December 7, 2010, when her
husband, Jack Dalrymple, was sworn in as North Dakota’s 32nd governor. She
immediately set out to work for the people of North Dakota and advance her long
career of public service, with special emphasis on early childhood education and
volunteerism.
Mrs. Dalrymple grew up near Detroit, Michigan, and earned a bachelor’s degree in
developmental psychology and teaching from Briarcliff College in New York. She
worked as an elementary school teacher in Fargo, North Dakota, before devoting time
to her children as a stay-at-home mom.
An active community member, the first lady has served on the Casselton School Board and the FargoMoorhead Area Foundation. She also has been involved with the Fargo-Moorhead Junior League, Red
River Human Services Foundation and the North Dakota Protection & Advocacy Project. Mrs. Dalrymple
was awarded the Children's Champion Award by the North Dakota Association for the Education of
Young Children in 2011 and the Ready Child Community-Based Award of Excellence from the North
Dakota Education Association in 2012.
The Dalrymples were married in 1971 and have four daughters.
Ohio
Born and raised in central Ohio, Karen Waldbillig Kasich obtained a bachelor’s
degree in communications from The Ohio State University. Mrs. Kasich established a
career in health care, public relations and marketing that spanned nearly two decades.
She last served as a vice president with GSW Worldwide, an agency focused on health
care and the pharmaceutical industry.
Mrs. Kasich is passionate about her role as mother to her children and views it as her
top priority. As first lady of Ohio, she is honored to have an opportunity to increase
awareness on topics that are near and dear to her heart: children's wellness and
women's heart health. Mrs. Kasich currently serves as a member of both The Partnership at
Drugfree.org’s public relations advisory board and Ohio Valley’s Go Red for Women Council, the
American Heart Association’s program empowering women to live heart-healthy lifestyles. She also
encourages children to walk and bike to school safely and confidently as the Ohio Department of
Transportation’s Safe Routes to School Ambassador.
The first lady and her husband, Governor John Kasich, were married in 1997 and have two children, twin
daughters Emma and Reese.
Oklahoma
Wade Christensen was born in El Reno, Oklahoma, the hometown of his mother,
Clairce Jo Christensen. His father, James Christensen, worked as a school principal in
the El Reno School District and as a farmer in Thomas, Oklahoma. His mother was a
teacher and pianist. He grew up farming and ranching the family’s land in western
Oklahoma. He lettered in multiple sports and played several musical instruments. A
fourth generation farmer and rancher, he was active in Future Farmers of America and
was named Oklahoma’s first “Star Agribusiness man.”
Mr. Christensen earned his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University and his Juris Doctorate
from the University of Tulsa School of Law. He is currently a practicing attorney, specializing in
litigation, banking, agribusiness, real estate, oil and gas, and other commercial related matters. He and his
family are involved in farming, ranching, machinery sales, banking, real estate and agribusiness.
In addition to juggling his professional career and responsibilities as a father, Mr. Christensen is also a
strong supporter of his wife’s role in public service. The first gentleman serves as chairman of the
Friends of the Mansion and as an advocate for the Foundation of the Children’s Hospital. He also served
as honorary co-chair of the Campaign For Justice Fundraiser benefiting Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma,
which provides legal services to those in need. For his efforts this past year, the Journal Record awarded
him the Leadership in Law Award. Additionally, the first gentleman partnered with Oklahoma authors in
creating a cookbook, “Getting Grilled by Wade Christensen,” to raise funds for a local nonprofit
organization.
Mr. Christensen and his wife, Governor Mary Fallin, met as students at Oklahoma State University and
later became reacquainted through their church. They married in November of 2009 and their combined
family includes six children, Blake, Adam, Christina, Brittiany, Price and Alex. All of their children
currently attend school or have found professional careers in Oklahoma.
Oregon
Cylvia Hayes is founder and CEO of 3EStrategies, a clean economy consulting firm.
She is a fellow and a board member of the American Leadership Forum Oregon. Ms.
Hayes has more than 20 years of professional experience in sustainable energy,
economic development, green jobs, green building and sustainable forestry and
agriculture. She co-chaired the Oregon Renewable Energy Working Group, which
developed Oregon’s Renewable Energy Standard, Renewable Fuels Standard and other
clean energy policies.
Ms. Hayes has a master’s degree in environmental studies from the Evergreen State College. She is the
author of numerous publications addressing sustainability and clean energy and a regular contributor to
Grist and The Huffington Post. Ms. Hayes has been honored as a Top 50 Leader in Oregon by Oregon
Business magazine, a Top 40 Under 40 by Cascade Business News and as a Central Oregon Earth Star.
In her role as First Lady of Oregon, Ms. Hayes is leading the Oregon Prosperity Initiative working to
stamp out poverty and hunger. She is a policy advisor to Governor John Kitzhaber on the issues of clean
energy and economic development.
Pennsylvania
Susan Manbeck Corbett became the 44th first lady of Pennsylvania when her
husband, Tom Corbett, was sworn in as Governor of Pennsylvania on January 18,
2011.
Mrs. Corbett was born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Pine Grove in
Schuylkill County. She met Governor Corbett in 1968 while attending Lebanon Valley
College in Annvile, Pennsylvania, and they married in 1972. The first lady began her
career at Northern Lebanon School District, where she taught senior high school
English for one year before moving to San Antonio, Texas.
After her two children, Tom and Kate, were born, Mrs. Corbett dedicated several years to staying home
and raising a family. She resumed her professional career in 1990 as a special projects manager for the
president’s office at Carnegie Museums and the director’s office of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. She
served as assistant producer and then executive director of Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures, a nationally
recognized literary arts organization. From 2006 to 2010, she served as vice president for programs and
development for the Gettysburg Foundation.
As first lady, Mrs. Corbett is passionate about promoting the commonwealth’s unique historical and
cultural attractions as Pennsylvania’s first tourist. She also has established the Opening Doors initiative,
which aims to increase the number of students who graduate from high school on time by focusing on
middle school students.
The first lady is currently chair of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a trustee of Carnegie Museums
of Pittsburgh, an ex officio member of the Philadelphia Museum of Art Board of Trustees, a trustee of
Lebanon Valley College and a commissioner of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Mrs. Corbett also serves as the honorary chair of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition Annual
Conference.
In her spare time, the first lady enjoys gardening, cooking and reading. She and Governor Corbett also
enjoy the company of their two Airedale terriers, Penny and Harry.
Puerto Rico
Wilma Pastrana-Jiménez was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and grew up in Río
Piedras. She attended Boston University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in
business administration with a concentration in accounting. Upon returning to Puerto
Rico, she obtained her license as a certified public accountant.
Mrs. Pastrana-Jiménez has worked for numerous organizations in the private and
public sectors, including Panell Kerr and Foster, Deloitte & Touche, Tricon
Restaurants, Glaxo Smith Kline, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and the Puerto
Rico Convention Center District Authority.
As the first lady of Puerto Rico, she is committed to reducing school dropout rates and improving the
education of students with disabilities.
The first lady and her husband, Governor Alejandro García Padilla, are parents of three children: Ana
Patricia, 10; Juan Pablo, 8; and Diego Alejandro, 5.
Rhode Island
A native of Rhode Island, Stephanie Chafee is married to Governor Lincoln Chafee.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Boston University and a master’s
degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut. She also
received an honorary doctor of humane letters from the University of Rhode Island.
Mrs. Chafee is a registered nurse and community health care advocate, and she was
one of the first nurses in Rhode Island to work exclusively with HIV/AIDS patients.
She helped found the Rhode Island Free Clinic in South Providence, which provides
health care for people who are uninsured. She also is a co-founder of Women Ending
Hunger. She has served on advisory boards for Miriam Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, South County
Hospital, the Rhode Island Zoological Society and the Rhode Island Foundation.
The Chafees live in Warwick, Rhode Island, with their three children, Louisa, Caleb and Thea.
South Carolina
Michael Haley became the first gentleman of South Carolina when his wife, Nikki
Randhawa Haley, was sworn in as the state’s 116th governor on January 12, 2011.
Mr. Haley graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a
bachelor’s degree in business administration. He completed his officer basic training at
Fort Benning, Georgia, and his area of concentration at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
The first gentleman is currently deployed to Afghanistan with the South Carolina Army
National Guard’s 3/49 Agribusiness Development Team. He has previously served as a platoon leader,
executive officer and commander of an area support medical company. As a military technician, he has
worked as a management analyst, state equal employment manager and strategic plans and training
officer. Prior to his military career, he worked in the family business as a buyer and manager and later
started his own business.
The first gentleman’s initiatives include overseeing the governor’s mansion commission and Lace House
Commission, actively participating with Youth Challenge and supporting other at-risk youth programs
and advocating for South Carolina’s foster care and adoption services.
The Haleys have two children, daughter Rena, 14, and son Nalin, 11. The first gentleman is an avid sports
participant, concentrating primarily on hunting and running, with the occasional triathlon.
South Dakota
Linda Daugaard grew up in Dell Rapids, South Dakota. She earned a bachelor’s
degree from South Dakota State University in Brookings.
After graduation Mrs. Daugaard taught at St. Mary’s High School in her hometown,
where she coached the girls’ first basketball team. She went on to work for the
University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the University of CaliforniaDavis. After staying home to raise her family, she resumed her career as a school
librarian, serving on rural, city and state library boards. The first lady’s personal and
professional background as a mother, educator and librarian influenced her decision to
work in support of several initiatives, including promoting literacy by visiting all 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders
in South Dakota schools, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education,
reducing infant mortality, soliciting foster parents and showcasing the governor’s mansion.
The first lady and Governor Dennis Daugaard have three children: Laura, married to Jay Mitchell and
granddaughter Stella; Sara, married to Tony Venhuizen, and grandson, Henry; and Christopher, married
to Emily.
Tennessee
Crissy Haslam was born in Houston, Texas, and moved with her family as a young
child to Memphis, Tennessee. She graduated with a double major in finance and
marketing from Emory University’s College of Business in 1980 and served as the
vice president of the Business School Council.
After she and her husband, Governor Bill Haslam, were married and moved to
Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1981, Mrs. Haslam worked as the assistant director of
admissions for the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She received her master’s
degree in education (college student personnel) from the University of TennesseeKnoxville in 1985, where she also worked as an advisor in the College of Liberal Arts.
As first lady of Tennessee, Mrs. Haslam introduced a three-part initiative that focuses on the interplay
between family engagement and literacy improvement in Tennessee. She travels the state to stress the
importance of parents as first teachers, parents as education partners and also to raise awareness for the
exponential value of reading at grade level by the third grade.
The Haslams have three grown children, Will, Annie and Leigh, and one grandchild, Wyatt. Mrs. Haslam
has served on numerous civic and community boards and has volunteered extensively at the Love
Kitchen, a provider of meals for Knoxville’s poor and home-bound population. She currently serves as
chair of the Tennessee Executive Residence Foundation.
Texas
Anita Perry, first lady of Texas, is a native of Haskell, Texas. She is dedicated to
improving the health of her state, preserving its culture and promoting its outstanding
business climate.
Mrs. Perry worked as a nurse for 17 years in surgery, pediatrics, intensive care,
administration and teaching. Her advocacy for the nursing profession has been
recognized by Texas Tech University, which renamed its nursing school in her honor
in 2008. To aid in addressing the nursing shortage, two endowments have been
established in her name at her alma maters: the Anita Thigpen Perry Nursing
Excellence Scholarship at West Texas A&M University and the Anita Thigpen Perry Endowment at the
University of Texas at San Antonio.
The first lady also is committed to opening new doors of opportunity for women. In 2000, she created the
annual Texas Conference for Women, an empowering and educational event that brings together more
than 7,000 women from across the state.
Mrs. Perry recognizes preservation efforts through her annual First Lady’s Texas Treasures Award, and
she travels the state promoting tourism. She also supports trade efforts with international markets and has
led economic development delegations to Argentina, Brazil, Slovakia, England, Japan and Germany.
Mrs. Perry earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from West Texas State University (now West Texas
A&M University) and a master’s degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San
Antonio. The Perrys are the proud parents of son Griffin and daughter Sydney.
Utah
Jeanette Herbert, first lady of Utah, was born in Preston, Idaho, and moved with her
family as a young child to Springville, Utah. While attending college, she worked as a
teller at a local bank, which is where she met her husband, Governor Gary Herbert.
After they were married, the Herberts settled in Orem, Utah, where Governor Herbert
founded Herbert & Associates Realtors. In 1985, Mrs. Herbert began a child-care service
and preschool, The Kids Connection, which she ran for 23 years.
In addition to her family and business responsibilities, the first lady has been an active
member of her community. She served on the Provo-Orem Chamber of Commerce as
chair of the Partners in Education Committee. She also was vice chair of the Utah County Bicentennial
Committee and a board member of the Utah Private Child Care Association.
Mrs. Herbert currently serves on the University of Utah's Achievement Rewards for College Scientists
and is honorary chair of the Governor’s Commission on Literacy. The first lady's personal initiative,
Uplift Families, aims to promote good parenting skills and offers resources to parents throughout the
state. She also serves on the boards of the Utah Governor’s Mansion Foundation and the Governor’s
Artist Series and is involved with the Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free Foundation.
The Herberts have been married for 43 years and are the proud parents of six children (three sons and
three daughters) and the very proud grandparents of 15 grandchildren. In her free time, the first lady
enjoys sewing, decorating and playing golf. Her favorite activity, however, is spending time with her
children and grandchildren, all of whom live in Utah County.
Virgin Islands
Cecile deJongh became first lady of the Virgin Islands when her husband, Governor
John deJongh, was inaugurated as the territory's seventh elected governor on January
1, 2007.
As first lady, Mrs. deJongh promotes several causes, including one that has touched
her own family. She has established two local chapters of Children and Adults with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) to help raise awareness about this
disorder and to seek support for affected families. She is currently a member of the
CHADD National Board and also is certified as a parent-to-parent teacher through
CHADD.
Mrs. deJongh is working to help improve the Virgin Islands’ literacy rate and serves as spokesperson for
the territory’s Big Read initiative, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. She is a founding
member and honorary board member of Habitat for Humanity International of the Virgin Islands and
chair of the Children and Families Council, an initiative aimed at improving the standard and quality of
government services to ensure children’s school readiness. The council focuses on early childhood
education and the prevention of teen pregnancy, truancy and youth violence.
A strong supporter of the Special Olympics, the first lady launched Camp Shriver last year in St. Thomas
and St. Croix. Camp Shriver is a two-week camp providing recreational activities for people with
intellectual disabilities. Mrs. deJongh also is a founding member of the nonprofit organization Rwanda
Project USVI, Inc., whose mission is to educate high school students in the Virgin Islands about the
devastation in Rwanda caused by genocide and disease. Additionally, she founded VI Tennis in the Parks
and Schools to introduce and sustain tennis in local parks and schools through after-school and summer
programs, as well as Healthy VI to engage youth in a conversation about obesity and the importance of
maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Mrs. deJongh was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and raised in her parents’ native home, the Virgin
Islands. After attending Marquette University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business
administration and marketing, she returned to the Virgin Islands to begin a career with Chase Manhattan
Bank in St. Croix. There she rose to the position of vice president of commercial and mortgage lending.
The deJonghs were married in 1986 and have three children: John III, Rene and Julian.
Virginia
Dorothy McAuliffe graduated from The Catholic University of America with a
bachelor’s in political science, and received her juris doctor from Georgetown
University Law Center, where she was a member of the Journal of Law and Policy in
international business. For several years she practiced in the area of financial
institution federal regulation and securities law.
Mrs. McAuliffe has been actively involved in her community as a volunteer in many
capacities, including the areas of education and the arts. For six years, she served on
the board of trustees of The Potomac School, a K-12 independent day school in McLean, Virginia, and
served as chair of the Potomac Board of Trustees for three years.
Mrs. McAuliffe was a presidential appointee to the board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for
the Performing Arts and also a member of the board of trustees of the Smithsonian Institution. She served
on the education committees of both the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian.
Mrs. McAuliffe serves on the executive committee of Knock-Out Abuse Against Women, a nonprofit
organization benefiting victims of domestic violence. She has also been an active volunteer at St. Luke
Catholic Church, her children’s schools and local athletic organizations and was appointed by Fairfax
County Board Supervisor John Foust to represent the Dranesville District on the Tysons Metrorail Station
Access Management Study Advisory Group, which met from 2010-11.
In her role as first lady of Virginia, Mrs. McAuliffe is focusing her work in the areas of childhood
nutrition and food security. She is particularly interested in improving food delivery systems so that
nutritious and fresh food products are more accessible to Virginia’s children and families with the added
benefit of promoting local agricultural economic development opportunities and improving health and
education outcomes.
Mrs. McAuliffe has lived in McLean, Virginia, for more than 20 years with her husband, Governor Terry
McAuliffe, and their five children, ranging in ages from 11 to 22.
Washington
Trudi Inslee was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, and attended her
neighborhood public schools, including Ingraham High School, where she met
Governor Jay Inslee. She went on to study political science and sociology at
Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. The Inslees were married in
1972 and later moved to Selah, a rural community in eastern Washington, where they
raised their three sons. They returned to western Washington in 1995 and have since
resided in Kitsap.
Currently Mrs. Inslee works with a nonprofit publisher and consultant on independent
film documentaries. Over the years, she also has enjoyed volunteering in her sons’ schools and with local
nonprofits including CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Planned Parenthood, NARAL
Washington and Mothers Against Violence in America. She is particularly focused on programs and
organizations serving women and children who are victims of sexual assault, homelessness and hunger.
She also supports early-learning programs.
West Virginia
Joanne Jaeger Tomblin, first lady of West Virginia, was born in New York City and
educated in the Long Island public school system. She holds bachelor’s and master’s
degrees in journalism and an honorary doctorate in human letters from Marshall
University in Huntington, West Virginia. Early in her career, she worked in the field
of broadcast journalism.
Mrs. Tomblin has served as president of Southern West Virginia Community and
Technical College in Williamson, West Virginia, since 1999. She is very passionate
about developing and encouraging leadership and promoting community colleges and
their unique mission. As first lady, she promotes education at all levels, including college completion for
the state and nation.
The first lady also is an advocate for the military and volunteerism. Her statewide initiative, Serve West
Virginia Military: Serving Those Who Serve Us, encourages individuals and community groups to
support and find ways to give back to West Virginia military personnel and their families.
An advocate for tourism and the arts, Mrs. Tomblin also has been instrumental in developing and
showcasing artisans around the state. She is involved in many state, local and regional committees and
organizations, including the Education Alliance board of directors and executive committee. She currently
serves as chair of the Logan Regional Medical Center Board and co-chair of the West Virginia College
Completion Task Force. She is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Logan and a devoted
participant in the Chancel Choir.
The first lady and her husband, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, were married in 1979 and have one son,
Brent, who is studying health care management at Marshall University.
Wisconsin
First Lady Tonette Walker was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Following
a career of more than 20 years in the insurance industry, she pursued employment with
the American Diabetes Association. She currently works for the development
department of the American Lung Association.
In her role as first lady, Mrs. Walker enjoys advocating for the well-being of the
people of Wisconsin. She is now working in partnership with various foundations and
nonprofit organizations to better recognize, understand and address the effects of
trauma on the lives of children and families in Wisconsin. Through this partnership,
she hopes to establish Wisconsin as a national leader in the trauma informed care movement.
Mrs. Walker also works regularly with Teen Challenge of Wisconsin, a faith-based organization
dedicated to the healing and rehabilitation of teens and young adults with substance abuse addictions. The
first lady works to raise awareness for the group throughout the state and assists Teen Challenge in its
fundraising and expansion efforts.
In response to the devastating Japanese tsunami and earthquakes of 2011, Mrs. Walker spearheaded the
Wisconsin-Chiba Japan Relief Project, an ongoing effort to provide financial assistance to Japan in its
time of need.
Additionally, the first lady invites the people of Wisconsin to “Walk with Walker,” as she visits some of
Wisconsin’s most picturesque trails, parks and landscapes, promoting health and fitness while showcasing
some of the beautiful but lesser known sites across the state.
The first lady and her husband, Governor Scott Walker, have two sons: Matt, a freshman in college, and
Alex, a senior at the local public high school. They are active members of numerous charitable programs
and with their church in Wauwatosa.
Wyoming
Carol Mead became Wyoming’s first lady on January 3, 2011, when her husband,
Governor Matt Mead, was sworn in as the state’s 32nd governor.
After graduating from the University of Wyoming in Laramie with two bachelor’s
degrees, Mrs. Mead worked in preventive medicine, the pharmaceutical field and real
estate. She is an active partner in Mead Land and Livestock, a family ranching and
farming operation, and other family business interests. She has volunteered as a Court
Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), advocating for children who are victims of
domestic abuse and neglect and helping with other related community fundraisers.
Recently, she completed work on the historic renovation of two buildings that are currently on the
National Historic Registry.
The first lady also has worked professionally in health care with the Cardiovascular Institute of Stress
Medicine and for Parke Davis, serving physicians in Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado.
The first lady has chosen children’s issues as a primary area of focus. She is working to promote healthy
lifestyles and literacy among children and their families and has collaborated with the University of
Wyoming in its efforts to establish a statewide literacy clinic and research center. She also has partnered
with the State Library System, GE, Raising Readers, Read Across America, We Read and Scholastic
Books, among others, to encourage families to make reading at home a priority.
The first lady also is involved in encouraging healthy lifestyles for Wyoming’s children through an
annual fall Family Night, the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and the ENGAGE program
sponsored by the Leadership to Keep Kids Alcohol Free Foundation.
The Meads have two children, Mary and Pete. Both attend public schools in Cheyenne.