Janice Cole facts for kids

Janice McKenzie Cole is an American lawyer who has held important roles in government. She was a top lawyer for the United States government in Eastern North Carolina from 1994 to 2001. This job is called the United States Attorney. She worked under President Bill Clinton during this time.

While she was the U.S. Attorney, she helped bring a special program called "Weed and Seed" to five communities. This program, from the United States Department of Justice, helps prevent crime and improve neighborhoods. Cole has also been recognized for her achievements. She was named Woman of the Year by the East Carolina University Branch of the American Association of University Women. She was also honored as Tarheel of the Week by The News and Observer newspaper.

Her Education and Early Career

Janice McKenzie Cole studied at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree with very high honors. She also received a master's degree in public administration from the same college. Later, she earned her law degree, called a Juris Doctor, from Fordham University in 1979.

Cole grew up in New York City. Before becoming a lawyer, she was a police officer there. She was part of one of the first groups of women police officers. These officers were assigned to patrol busy streets in areas with high crime. After finishing law school, Cole worked as an Assistant United States Attorney in New York.

Moving to North Carolina

In 1983, Janice McKenzie Cole moved to Hertford, North Carolina. This is a smaller, country town in North Carolina. There, she started her own law practice. Seven years later, she was elected to be a state District Court Judge. She made history as the first Black person and the first woman to serve as a judge in that area. She held this important position until February 1994. At that time, she was sworn in as the United States Attorney.

Later Public Service

In 2002, Cole ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives, but she was not successful.

In 2008, she was chosen by the North Carolina Democratic Party to be part of the United States Electoral College. This group of people officially votes for the President and Vice President after the public election. Cole voted for Barack Obama and Joe Biden on behalf of North Carolina's voters. When the Electoral College met, Cole and another African-American elector, Kara Hollingsworth, formally nominated Obama.

Cole was also one of the first members of a special committee. This committee was set up by U.S. Senator Kay Hagan. Its job was to help recommend people for U.S. attorney and federal judge jobs in North Carolina.

In January 2023, Cole was appointed as the town manager of Hertford, North Carolina. She lives there with her husband. Before this, she had been the interim (temporary) manager for the town.

Her Family Life

Janice McKenzie Cole is married to J. Carlton Cole. He was also a District Court Judge in North Carolina. In 2009, he was appointed to the North Carolina Superior Court by Governor Beverly Perdue. Janice and J. Carlton Cole live in Hertford.