Jack Markell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jack Markell
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Markell in 2023
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| United States Ambassador to Italy and San Marino |
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| In office September 23, 2023 – January 11, 2025 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Lewis Eisenberg |
| Succeeded by | Shawn P. Crowley (Chargé d'affaires) |
| United States Ambassador to the OECD | |
| In office February 11, 2022 – August 21, 2023 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Daniel Yohannes |
| Succeeded by | Karen Enstrom (Chargé d'Affaires) |
| Chair of the National Governors Association | |
| In office July 15, 2012 – August 4, 2013 |
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| Deputy | Mary Fallin |
| Preceded by | Dave Heineman |
| Succeeded by | Mary Fallin |
| 73rd Governor of Delaware | |
| In office January 20, 2009 – January 17, 2017 |
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| Lieutenant | Matthew Denn |
| Preceded by | Ruth Ann Minner |
| Succeeded by | John Carney |
| Treasurer of Delaware | |
| In office January 16, 1999 – January 20, 2009 |
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| Governor | Tom Carper Ruth Ann Minner |
| Preceded by | Janet Rzewnicki |
| Succeeded by | Velda Jones-Potter |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jack Alan Markell
November 26, 1960 Newark, Delaware, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Carla Smathers |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Brown University (BA) University of Chicago (MBA) |
| Signature |  |
| Website | |
Jack Alan Markell (born November 26, 1960) is an American politician and diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. He has served as the United States ambassador to Italy and San Marino. He also served as the United States ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Before becoming an ambassador, he was the 73rd Governor of Delaware from 2009 to 2017. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Markell also served three terms as the state treasurer of Delaware from 1999 to 2009.
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Jack Markell's Early Life and Education
Jack Markell was born and grew up in Newark, Delaware. His mother, Elaine "Leni," was a social worker. His father, William Markell, taught accounting at the University of Delaware.
He went to Newark High School. As a child, he attended Camp Galil, a summer camp. He later studied at Brown University, earning a degree in economics. He then earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Jack Markell's Career Before Politics
Markell started his business career in 1982 as a banker at First Chicago Corporation. In 1986, he became a consultant at McKinsey & Company.
From 1989 to 1995, Markell worked at Fleet Call, which later became Nextel Communications. He helped Nextel grow into a successful company during the rise of wireless phones in the 1990s. After Nextel, he worked as a senior manager at Comcast Corporation from 1996 to 1998.
Jack Markell as Delaware's State Treasurer
Markell was first elected as Delaware's state treasurer in 1998. He won against the Republican who had held the position for four terms. He was re-elected in 2002 and 2006.
As treasurer, Markell started programs to teach people about managing money. These were called "Financial Literacy initiatives."
- He created the "Delaware Money School," which offered free classes. These classes taught people about saving for college and retirement.
- He also started the "Delaware Bank at School Program." This program brought banks and financial education to schools. It helped young people learn about money and saving.
In 2001, Governor Ruth Ann Minner asked Markell to lead a task force. This group worked on improving how the state managed its information technology. In 2002, he helped make state purchasing more efficient. He also led "Health Rewards," a program to help state employees improve their health.
Jack Markell as Governor of Delaware
Jack Markell served as the 73rd Governor of Delaware for two terms, from 2009 to 2017.
Becoming Governor: The 2008 Election
On June 6, 2007, Markell announced he would run for governor. He faced John Carney in the Democratic primary election. A primary election helps a party choose its candidate.
Markell was behind in the polls at first. But he slowly gained support. He won the primary election with 51.2% of the votes. In the main election, he ran against former judge Bill Lee. Markell won the general election with 67% of the votes. This made him Delaware's first Jewish governor.
Re-election in 2012
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Markell won his second term as governor on November 6, 2012. He defeated his Republican opponent, Jeff Cragg, by a large margin.
Key Actions During His First Term
- Inauguration: Markell's first swearing-in ceremony was held at midnight. This was to meet state rules and let people attend President Barack Obama's inauguration later that day. A larger ceremony was held the next day in Dover.
- Budget Challenges: Markell faced a huge budget problem when he started. He cut his own salary by 20%. His plan to balance the budget included pay cuts for state employees. It also involved legalizing and taxing sports betting.
- Environment: Markell signed laws to reduce Delaware's energy use by 15% by 2015. He also created a new recycling program for homes and businesses. A new clean energy law requires utilities to get 25% of their energy from clean sources.
- LGBT Rights: In 2009, Markell signed a law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. This protected people in housing, jobs, and public places. In 2011, he signed a bill allowing civil unions for same-sex couples.
- Education: Markell brought in major education reforms. He helped the University of Delaware acquire the Newark Chrysler plant. This plant was turned into a research campus. In 2010, Delaware won a federal grant for education reform. This money helped improve schools and student evaluations.
- State Economy: Markell worked to create jobs and help businesses. He helped Fisker Automotive reopen a closed GM plant. This created about 2,500 jobs making hybrid cars. He also helped PBF Energy buy the Delaware City Refinery, saving 600 jobs. Sallie Mae, a large student loan company, moved its headquarters to Delaware, planning to hire 1,500 people.
Key Actions During His Second Term
- Budget and Economy: Delaware continued to face budget shortfalls. Markell proposed extending some taxes and making spending cuts. He also suggested a large transportation project to improve roads and bridges.
- LGBT Rights: On May 7, 2013, Markell signed a law legalizing same-sex marriage in Delaware. This made Delaware the eleventh state to do so. He also signed a law banning discrimination against transgender individuals.
- Gun Control: After the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Markell worked on gun safety laws. He signed laws requiring reports for lost or stolen guns. He also supported universal background checks for gun purchases.
- Environment: In 2014, Markell proposed an $800 million plan to clean Delaware's waterways. This plan aimed to make water cleaner for fishing, swimming, and drinking.
- Minimum Wage: In March 2014, Markell signed a law to increase Delaware's minimum wage to $8.25 an hour. This helped about 40,000 workers in the state.
- Education: Markell started the World Language Expansion Initiative. This program created language immersion classes in Mandarin or Spanish for young students. By 2022, 10,000 students were expected to join. He also signed a bill requiring schools to have updated emergency plans.
Jack Markell After Being Governor
JAM Trail
In 2018, a bike trail was named after Jack Markell: the Jack A. Markell (JAM) bike trail. This 5.5-mile trail connects Wilmington and New Castle. It was built on an old railroad line. The trail has boardwalks, bridges, and scenic views of the Christiana River.
Operation Allies Welcome
In 2021, Markell was named the White House coordinator for Operation Allies Welcome. This program helped Afghan civilians who were evacuated to the United States.
Ambassador to OECD
On June 23, 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Markell to be the United States ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OECD is a group of countries that work together on economic issues. Markell was confirmed by the Senate in December 2021. He officially started his role in February 2022.
Ambassador to Italy
On May 12, 2023, President Biden nominated Markell to be the US ambassador to Italy and San Marino. The Senate confirmed his nomination on July 27, 2023. He presented his credentials to the President of Italy on September 23, 2023.
Jack Markell's Personal Life
Markell is married to Carla Smathers. They have two children. In 2013, Markell and his wife performed in a play called Love Letters. This was a fundraiser for the Delaware Theater Company.
Images for kids
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Jack Markell's signature
See Also
In Spanish: Jack Markell para niños
