Kim Guadagno facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kim Guadagno
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Guadagno in 2011
|
|
| 1st Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey | |
| In office January 19, 2010 – January 16, 2018 |
|
| Governor | Chris Christie |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Sheila Oliver |
| 33rd Secretary of State of New Jersey | |
| In office January 19, 2010 – January 16, 2018 |
|
| Governor | Chris Christie |
| Preceded by | Nina Wells |
| Succeeded by | Tahesha Way |
| 75th Sheriff of Monmouth County, New Jersey | |
| In office January 1, 2008 – January 19, 2010 |
|
| Preceded by | Joseph Oxley |
| Succeeded by | Shaun Golden |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Kimberly Ann McFadden
April 13, 1959 Waterloo, Iowa, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican (until 2021) Independent (2021–present) |
| Spouse |
Michael Guadagno
(m. 1991) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Ursinus College (BA) American University (JD) |
Kimberly Ann Guadagno (born April 13, 1959) is an American lawyer and politician. She made history as the first Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey. She also served as the 33rd secretary of state of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018.
In 2017, Guadagno was the Republican candidate for Governor of New Jersey. She ran in the election but lost to Phil Murphy.
Contents
Kim Guadagno's Early Life and Education
Kimberly Ann McFadden was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on April 13, 1959. She was the middle child in a family of five children. Her father worked in sales, which meant her family moved often.
She attended Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. In 1980, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, in 1983, she received her law degree (Juris Doctor) from the Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C..
Kim Guadagno's Career in Public Service
Early Legal Work and Public Safety Roles
Kim Guadagno began her career as a lawyer. She worked as an Assistant United States Attorney. She served in both the Eastern District of New York and the District of New Jersey. She was also an Assistant New Jersey Attorney General.
From 1994 to 1998, she helped lead the U.S. Attorney's office's unit that handled public corruption cases. She worked on important cases during this time. Later, from 1998 to 2001, she was a deputy director in the Division of Criminal Justice. Here, she oversaw investigations into large financial crimes. She also worked on the case involving the "Melissa" computer worm.
From 2003 to 2009, she taught legal writing at Rutgers School of Law–Newark. In 2005, she was elected as a commissioner for Monmouth Beach.
Serving as Monmouth County Sheriff
In 2007, Kim Guadagno was elected the 75th Sheriff of Monmouth County. She took office in 2008. This made her the first woman to hold this important position.
As Sheriff, she was in charge of Monmouth County's largest law enforcement agency. This agency had nearly 700 employees. They worked in different areas, including law enforcement, a correctional facility, and a 911 Emergency Dispatch Center. During her time, the Sheriff's office received a special award for supporting employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
Sheriff Guadagno also expanded "Project Lifesaver." This program uses special bracelets with tracking devices. These devices help officers find people with Alzheimer's or Autism if they wander off.
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Roles
On July 20, 2009, Chris Christie, who was running for governor, chose Guadagno as his running mate. This was the first time New Jersey voters chose a lieutenant governor.
Christie and Guadagno won the election on November 3, 2009. On January 19, 2010, she was sworn in as New Jersey's first lieutenant governor of New Jersey. Governor Christie also appointed her as New Jersey's Secretary of State. In this role, she helped with economic development and making government rules simpler.
As Secretary of State, Guadagno oversaw many important programs. She was responsible for artistic, cultural, and historical programs in New Jersey. She also managed volunteer and community service projects. She supervised the State Archives, which keeps historical public records. She also oversaw the Division of Travel and Tourism, which promotes New Jersey as a great place to visit.
Additionally, Guadagno led the Division of Elections. She was the Chief Elections Official. She also chaired the Board of State Canvassers, which confirms election results.
Kim Guadagno's Run for Governor
In 2017, Kim Guadagno became the Republican candidate for governor. She won the primary election in June 2017. However, she lost the general election to Democrat Phil Murphy on November 7, 2017.
After Her Political Career
In April 2018, Guadagno joined the law firm Connell Foley as a partner. She worked in their Jersey City office.
In May 2019, Guadagno became the CEO and president of Fulfill NJ. This organization was formerly known as The Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean County. She worked there for two years. In July 2021, she left the Republican Party. She then registered as an independent voter.
Kim Guadagno's Personal Life
Kim Guadagno moved to New Jersey in 1991. She has lived in Monmouth Beach since she married Michael Guadagno in 1991. Her husband was a judge for the New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division. He was appointed as a judge in 2005.
The Guadagnos have three sons. One of their sons, Kevin, graduated from the United States Air Force Academy. He is an F-35 fighter pilot. Another son, Michael, was part of the crew team at Dartmouth College.
See also
- List of female lieutenant governors in the United States
