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 (2009–2015) Vacant (2015–2017) |
| 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. He served as the United States Ambassador to Italy and San Marino. Before that, he was the U.S. Ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Markell also served as the 73rd Governor of Delaware from 2009 to 2017. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
He served three terms as the state treasurer of Delaware from 1999 to 2009. After Governor Ruth Ann Minner could not run again, Markell decided to run for governor. He won the Democratic primary against Lieutenant Governor John Carney. In the main election, he defeated Republican Bill Lee in 2008. Markell became Delaware's first Jewish governor. He was re-elected in 2012 by a large margin.
On May 12, 2023, President Joe Biden nominated Markell to be the U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino. The Senate confirmed his nomination on July 27, 2023. He began his role on September 23, 2023.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jack Markell grew up in Newark, Delaware. His mother, Elaine "Leni," was a social worker. His father, William Markell, taught accounting at the University of Delaware. Jack 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 went to the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Early Career in Business
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 was a senior vice president there.
He was one of the first employees at Nextel. He helped the company become successful during the rise of wireless telecommunications in the 1990s. After Nextel, Markell worked as a senior manager at Comcast Corporation from 1996 to 1998.
Serving as Delaware 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, Janet Rzewnicki. He was re-elected in 2002 and 2006.
As treasurer, Markell started programs to help people learn 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 lessons to schools. He worked with the University of Delaware and local banks. They taught young people 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 it easier to buy goods and services for the state. He also led the "Health Rewards" program. This program helped state employees check their health and get tips to improve it.
Delaware Governor: Key Actions
Becoming Governor
2008 Election
On June 6, 2007, Markell announced he was running for governor of Delaware. He faced John Carney in the Democratic primary. Markell released many policy papers on topics like energy and education. Even though he started behind in polls, he gained support.
Markell won the primary election with 51.2% of the vote. In the general election, he ran against former judge Bill Lee. Markell won with 67% of the vote.
2012 Re-election
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Markell won his second term as governor on November 6, 2012. He defeated Republican challenger Jeff Cragg by a large margin.
First Term as Governor
Starting the Job
Markell's inauguration ceremony in 2009 was held very early in the morning. This was to follow state rules. It also allowed Delaware residents to watch the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden later that day. A traditional ceremony was held the next day in Dover, Delaware.
Managing the Budget
Markell faced a huge budget problem when he became governor. He immediately cut his own salary by 20%. In March 2009, he shared his plan to balance the budget. His plan included a pay cut for state employees. It also involved legalizing and taxing sports betting. There were also cuts in spending and new taxes on things like liquor and tobacco.
His sports betting idea was approved after a second vote. The state senate quickly passed the law, and Markell signed it. This helped bring in money for the state.
Markell worked with the General Assembly to pass a budget on time. This avoided a government shutdown, which happened in some other states. The budget for 2011 focused on creating jobs. It also reduced the number of state employees.
Protecting the Environment
Markell signed laws to help the environment. One law aimed to reduce Delaware's energy use by 15% by 2015. It also updated building rules. Another law created a new recycling program. This program required trash collectors to offer curbside recycling. A new clean energy law required utilities to get 25% of their energy from clean sources. It also supported solar projects.
LGBT Rights
On July 2, 2009, Markell signed a law that banned discrimination based on sexual orientation. This meant people could not be treated unfairly in housing, jobs, or public places because of who they loved. On May 11, 2011, he also signed a civil union bill. This law gave same-sex couples many of the same rights as married couples.
Improving Education
Markell proposed and signed important education reforms. He got rid of a controversial student testing program. He also started a program to reward schools that were improving. He passed laws to make school districts more open and independent.
He helped the University of Delaware (UD) buy the Newark Chrysler plant. UD planned to build a research campus there. This could create jobs and new ideas. In March 2010, Delaware won a federal grant for education reform. The state received up to $119 million. This money was used to help struggling schools and improve how students and teachers were evaluated.
Boosting the State Economy
To help with rising unemployment, Markell started programs like the LIFT Program. This program aimed to help small businesses survive and grow.
After the GM plant closed in 2009, Markell worked to bring Fisker Automotive to Delaware. A deal was signed to reopen the plant. Fisker invested money to upgrade the plant. They planned to start making hybrid cars there. This was expected to create about 2,500 jobs.
In 2010, when Valero closed its Delaware City Refinery, Markell helped in talks with Valero. This led to PBF Energy buying the refinery. It reopened in 2011, creating 600 full-time jobs.
Sallie Mae, a large student loan company, moved its headquarters to Delaware. They planned to hire many Delaware residents. Markell also helped attract other businesses like Sanosil International and Testing Machines Inc. In June 2010, Markell signed a law to give tax credits to companies that bring new jobs to the state.
Second Term as Governor
Budget and Economy
Delaware still faced budget challenges during Markell's second term. He proposed extending some tax increases from 2009 to balance the budget. He also suggested lowering tax rates where possible. He signed the budget on July 1, 2013.
For the 2015 budget, Markell proposed tax increases on certain businesses and spending cuts. He also presented a $500 million plan to improve transportation. This plan would be paid for by a small increase in the state's gas tax.
LGBT Rights
On May 7, 2013, Markell signed a law making same-sex marriage legal in Delaware. This made Delaware the eleventh state to do so. A month later, he signed another law. This law banned discrimination against transgender people in jobs, housing, and public places.
Gun Control
After the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Markell worked with Attorney General Beau Biden. They proposed five bills to reduce gun violence. These ideas included requiring reports for lost or stolen guns and universal background checks. They also suggested banning certain assault weapons.
By July 2013, Markell had signed laws about lost or stolen firearms and universal background checks.
Protecting Waterways
In March 2014, Markell proposed an $800 million plan to clean Delaware's waterways. He said it was important to leave cleaner water for future generations. He suggested paying for this plan with loans and a small tax on water use for homeowners.
Minimum Wage Increase
Following President Barack Obama's call, Markell signed a law in March 2014. This law increased Delaware's minimum wage to $8.25 an hour. This helped about 40,000 Delaware workers.
Education Initiatives
Markell's World Language Expansion Initiative created language immersion programs. These programs taught Mandarin or Spanish to elementary school children. The goal was for 10,000 students to participate by 2022. For his support of language learning, Markell received the Foreign Language Advocacy Award in 2013.
In August 2014, Markell signed a bill requiring schools to have updated plans for emergencies. This was part of his goal for a "state-of-the-art school safety plan."
Campaign Finance Report
In December 2013, a report found that some campaign donors gave more money than allowed by law. This included donations to Markell's 2008 campaign. The report stated that Markell's campaign received funds that exceeded legal limits. However, no charges were brought against elected officials. The report found no credible evidence that Markell's campaign intentionally broke the law. Some donors had previously admitted guilt for their part.
Presidential Politics
After being re-elected by a large margin, Markell led the Democratic Governors Association and the National Governors Association. Some people thought he might run for president in 2016. However, he did not run. He said he would support Joe Biden if Biden decided to run.
After Being Governor
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JAM Trail
In 2018, the Jack A. Markell (JAM) bike trail was named in his honor. This 5.5-mile trail was built on an old railroad line. It connects the Wilmington Riverfront to New Castle's Battery Park. The trail has boardwalks, paved paths, and views of the Christiana River. It is part of the East Coast Greenway.
Operation Allies Welcome
In 2021, during the evacuation of Afghan civilians, Markell was named White House coordinator for Operation Allies Welcome. This program helped refugees settle in the United States.
Ambassador to OECD
On June 23, 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Markell to be the U.S. Ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The Senate confirmed his nomination on December 18, 2021.
Markell was sworn in on January 14, 2022. He officially started his role at the OECD on February 11, 2022.
Ambassador to Italy
On May 12, 2023, President Biden nominated Markell to be the U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino. The Senate confirmed his nomination on July 27, 2023.
Markell presented his credentials to the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, on September 23, 2023.
Personal Life
Jack Markell is married to Carla Smathers. They have two children. On November 16, 2013, Markell and his wife performed in the play Love Letters. This was at 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
