Callista Gingrich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Callista Gingrich
|
|
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2017
|
|
| United States Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Nominee |
|
| Assuming office TBD |
|
| President | Donald Trump |
| Succeeding | Scott Miller |
| United States Ambassador to the Holy See | |
| In office December 22, 2017 – January 20, 2021 |
|
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Ken Hackett |
| Succeeded by | Joe Donnelly |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Callista Louise Bisek
March 4, 1966 Whitehall, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | |
| Education | Luther College (BA) |
Callista Louise Gingrich (born March 4, 1966) is an American diplomat, businesswoman, and author. She served as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See from 2017 to 2021. In December 2024, she was chosen by then President-elect Donald Trump to be the United States Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
She is currently the President and CEO of Gingrich 360. This company creates multimedia content and offers advice. She is married to Newt Gingrich, who was once the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Callista Louise Bisek was born in Whitehall, Wisconsin. Her family called her "Cally Lou." Her father worked in a factory, and her mother was a secretary. She has family roots from Poland and Switzerland.
In 1984, she graduated from Whitehall Memorial High School. She was the top student in her class, known as the valedictorian. Callista loved music from a young age. She went to Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. There, she studied music and graduated with honors in 1988.
Career Highlights
After college in 1988, Callista Gingrich started an internship in Washington, D.C.. She worked for Republican Congressman Steve Gunderson. After her internship, she joined his staff and worked there until 1995. In 1995, she moved to the House Committee on Agriculture. She worked as the chief clerk there until 2007.
Creating Books and Films
After leaving the House Committee on Agriculture in 2007, Gingrich became president of Gingrich Productions. She started this multimedia company with her husband. They create documentary films about history and public policy. They also publish books and newsletters.
They have hosted ten documentaries together. Some of these include Journey to America, The First American, Divine Mercy: The Canonization of John Paul II, and Nine Days that Changed the World.
Gingrich has written seven children's books. These books feature a character named Ellis the Elephant. Her books teach about American history. Sweet Land of Liberty and Land of the Pilgrims' Pride both became bestsellers. Other books include Yankee Doodle Dandy, From Sea to Shining Sea, Christmas in America, Hail to the Chief, and Remember the Ladies.
She also co-wrote Rediscovering God in America with her husband. She helped write a photobook called Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny. Callista Gingrich also provides the voice for some of her husband's audiobooks.
Serving as an Ambassador
President Donald Trump chose Gingrich to be the United States Ambassador to the Holy See in May 2017. The United States Senate approved her nomination on October 16, 2017. On December 22, 2017, Gingrich officially became the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. She was the 11th U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See since formal relations began in 1984.
During her time as Ambassador, Gingrich worked on areas where the U.S. and the Vatican agreed. ..... In June 2018, she helped return a letter written by Christopher Columbus that had been stolen from the Vatican Archives. She also highlighted the work of nuns during the COVID-19 pandemic. She helped Samaritan's Purse bring medical help to Italy during the pandemic.
In December 2024, President-elect Trump nominated her to be the United States Ambassador to Switzerland.
Awards and Recognitions
In February 2018, Gingrich received an honorary doctorate from the Ave Maria School of Law.
In 2019, she received the Sue M. Cobb Award. This is a high honor from the U.S. Department of State for excellent diplomatic service.
In June 2020, Pope Francis gave her the title of Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Pius IX. This is the highest award given by the Holy See to people who are not clergy. It recognized her contributions to the Church and society.
In 2023, she received a Distinguished Service Award from Luther College.
In 2024, she received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for her distinguished service.
Political Campaign Involvement
Callista Gingrich often appeared with her husband during his campaign for president in 2012. She started taking a more active role in early 2012. She gave speeches without her husband for the first time. On February 10, she introduced her husband before his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference. She also supported his campaign by speaking to Republican women's groups and at various rallies.
Other Activities
Gingrich is the president of the Gingrich Foundation. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. She serves on the Board of Governors for Ave Maria School of Law. She is also a member of the Richard Nixon Foundation Board of Directors and the Ave Maria Mutual Funds Catholic Advisory Board.
Personal Life
Callista Bisek met Newt Gingrich in 1993. She was working for Congressman Steve Gunderson at the time. Callista and Newt were married on August 18, 2000, in a private ceremony in Alexandria, Virginia. Callista is a lifelong Catholic. She played an important role in her husband's decision to become Catholic in 2009. The Gingriches live in McLean, Virginia.
