Janice Cole facts for kids

Janice McKenzie Cole is an American lawyer who has had an important career in public service. She served as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina from 1994 to 2001. This means she was the top federal prosecutor in that area, working under President Bill Clinton.

During her time as 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. Janice McKenzie 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.

Education and Early Career

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

Before becoming a lawyer, Cole was a police officer in New York City. She was part of one of the first groups of women police officers assigned to patrol busy streets. After finishing law school, she worked as an Assistant United States Attorney in New York. This role meant she helped prosecute federal crimes.

Moving to North Carolina

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

Later Public Service Roles

In 2008, Janice McKenzie Cole was chosen by the North Carolina Democratic Party to be a member of the United States Electoral College. This group formally votes for the President and Vice President of the United States. She 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, officially nominated Obama.

In January 2023, Cole took on a new role. She was appointed as the town manager of Hertford, North Carolina, where she lives. Before this, she had been the interim manager for the town.

Personal Life

Janice McKenzie Cole is married to J. Carlton Cole. He also had a distinguished career in law. He was a District Court Judge for North Carolina's 1st Judicial District. In 2009, he was appointed to the North Carolina Superior Court by Governor Beverly Perdue. The Coles live together in Hertford, North Carolina.