Jennifer Carroll facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jennifer Carroll
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Official portrait, 2018
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| Member of the American Battle Monuments Commission |
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| In office April 11, 2018 – January 20, 2021 |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| 18th Lieutenant Governor of Florida | |
| In office January 4, 2011 – March 12, 2013 |
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| Governor | Rick Scott |
| Preceded by | Jeff Kottkamp |
| Succeeded by | Carlos Lopez-Cantera |
| Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 13th district |
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| In office May 13, 2003 – November 2, 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Mike Hogan |
| Succeeded by | Daniel Davis |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jennifer Sandra Johnson
August 27, 1959 Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Nolan Carroll |
| Children | 3, including Nolan II |
| Residences | Fleming Island, Florida, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Leeward Community College (AA) University of New Mexico (BA) St. Leo University (MBA) |
| Occupation | Businesswoman |
| Profession | Naval officer, politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1979–1999 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Commander |
Jennifer Sandra Carroll (born August 27, 1959) is an American politician and a retired naval officer. She served as the 18th lieutenant governor of Florida from 2011 to 2013. Carroll made history as the first Black person, the first woman, and the first person of Trinidadian-American background to be elected to this important role. Before that, she was a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives. She is also the author of a popular book called When You Get There.
During her time as Lieutenant Governor, some questions were raised about her work outside of her official duties. She decided to resign from her position in 2013. Later, authorities confirmed that she had not broken any laws.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jennifer Carroll was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. When she was eight years old, she moved to the United States. She finished high school in Uniondale, New York, in 1977. In 1979, she joined the U.S. Navy. She started as a jet engine mechanic and later became an officer in 1985. She retired from the Navy in 1999 as a lieutenant commander.
Carroll continued her education while serving in the Navy. She earned an Associate of Arts degree in 1981 from Leeward Community College. In 1985, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of New Mexico. She moved to Florida in 1986. She later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from St. Leo University in 2008.
After the 2000 elections, Governor Jeb Bush appointed Jennifer Carroll to lead the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. She held this position until 2002. President George W. Bush also appointed her to special commissions, including the Commission on Presidential Scholars and the Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission.
Political Career Highlights
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Jennifer Carroll is an active member of the Republican Party in Clay County, Florida. In 2000 and 2002, she ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, but she was not elected.
She is also one of the people who started Maggie's List. This group helps conservative women who are running for political office.
Serving in the Florida House
In 2003, Jennifer Carroll ran for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives for the 13th district. She won the special election and became the first Black female Republican ever elected to the Florida Legislature. She was re-elected without opposition in 2004, 2006, and 2008.
During her time in the Florida House, she held several leadership roles. She was Deputy Majority Leader from 2003 to 2004 and Majority Whip from 2004 to 2006. She also chaired important committees, including the Finance Committee and the Economic and Development Council.
Lieutenant Governor of Florida
In 2010, Jennifer Carroll ran for Lieutenant Governor alongside Rick Scott. They won the election, and she took office on January 4, 2011. This made her the first Black person, the first woman, and the first Trinidadian American to hold this statewide office in Florida. She was also the first Black Republican elected to a statewide office in Florida since the Reconstruction era.
Jennifer Carroll resigned from her position as Lieutenant Governor on March 12, 2013. Later, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed that she had not broken any laws.
Later Public Service
Jennifer Carroll supported Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign. She spoke at his rallies and was part of his National Diversity Council. In 2017, President Trump appointed her as a Commissioner on the American Battle Monuments Commission. She served on this commission from April 2018 until January 2021.
Personal Life
Jennifer Carroll is married to Nolan Carroll, who is a retired senior master sergeant from the United States Air Force. They have three children together. Their son, Nolan Carroll II, is a professional football player.
See also
- List of female lieutenant governors in the United States
- List of minority governors and lieutenant governors in the United States
