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Jennifer Carroll
Jennifer Carroll official photo.jpg
Official portrait, 2018
Member of the
American Battle Monuments Commission
In office
April 11, 2018 – January 20, 2021
President Donald Trump
18th Lieutenant Governor of Florida
In office
January 4, 2011 – March 12, 2013
Governor Rick Scott
Preceded by Jeff Kottkamp
Succeeded by Carlos Lopez-Cantera
Member of the Florida House of Representatives
from the 13th district
In office
May 13, 2003 – November 2, 2010
Preceded by Mike Hogan
Succeeded by Daniel Davis
Personal details
Born
Jennifer Sandra Johnson

(1959-08-27) August 27, 1959 (age 65)
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 U.S. Navy O-4 infobox.svg Lieutenant Commander

Jennifer Sandra Carroll (born August 27, 1959) is an American politician and a former naval officer. She is a member of the Republican Party. From 2011 to 2013, she served as the 18th lieutenant governor of Florida.

Jennifer Carroll made history as the first black person, the first woman, and the first Trinidadian-American to be elected to this important role in Florida. Before that, she was a member of the Florida House of Representatives. She also wrote a book about her life called When You Get There. During her time as lieutenant governor, some questions arose about her work and finances. She resigned from her position in 2013. However, an investigation later found that she had not broken any laws.

Early Life and Education

LCDR Jennifer Carroll, USN
Jennifer Carroll as a U.S. Navy officer.

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. Later, she was chosen for a program that allowed her to become an officer in 1985. She retired from the Navy in 1999 as a lieutenant commander.

Jennifer Carroll continued her education while serving in the Navy. In 1981, she earned an Associate of Arts degree from Leeward Community College. She then received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of New Mexico in 1985. She moved to Florida in 1986. She also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from St. Leo University in 2008.

After the 2000 elections, Jennifer Carroll was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush 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 one for veterans' benefits.

Political Career

Jennifer Carroll is an active member of the Republican Party in Clay County, Florida. She has run for public office several times.

Florida House of Representatives

In 2003, Jennifer Carroll ran for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives for the 13th district. She won the Republican primary election. This made her 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 important leadership roles. She was the Deputy Majority Leader from 2003 to 2004. She also served as Majority Whip from 2004 to 2006. She chaired committees focused on finance and economic development.

Lieutenant Governor of Florida

Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll (cropped)
Jennifer Carroll's official Lieutenant Governor portrait.

In 2010, Jennifer Carroll ran for Lieutenant Governor of Florida alongside Rick Scott. Their Republican team won the election. On January 4, 2011, she officially became the Lieutenant Governor. She was the first black person, the first woman, and the first Trinidadian American to hold this statewide office in Florida.

During her term, some concerns arose regarding her professional activities. She resigned from her position on March 12, 2013. An investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement later 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, played football in college and professionally.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Jennifer Carroll para niños

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