Lynn M. Martin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lynn M. Martin
21st United States Secretary of Labor
In office February 7, 1991 – January 20, 1993
President	George H. W. Bush
Preceded by	Elizabeth Dole
Succeeded by	Robert Reich
Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference
In office January 3, 1985 – January 3, 1989
Leader	Robert H. Michel
Preceded by	Jack Edwards
Succeeded by	Bill McCollum
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 16th district
In office January 3, 1981 – January 3, 1991
Preceded by	John B. Anderson
Succeeded by	John W. Cox Jr.
Member of the Illinois Senate from the 34th district
In office January 1979 – January 1981
Preceded by	Vivian Hickey
Succeeded by	W. Timothy Simms
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 34th district
In office January 1977 – January 1979 Serving with Edolo J. Giorgi, W. Timothy Simms
Preceded by	Guy Stubblefield
Succeeded by	John W. Hallock, Jr.
Member of the Winnebago County Board
In office 1972–1976
Personal details
Born	Judith Lynn Morley (1939-12-26) December 26, 1939 (age 85) Evanston, Illinois, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouses	John Martin ​ ​ (m. 1960; div. 1978)​ Harry Leinenweber ​ ​ (m. 1987; died 2024)​
Children	2
Education	University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (BA)

Lynn Morley Martin (born Judith Lynn Morley on December 26, 1939) is an American businesswoman and former politician. She served as the 21st United States Secretary of Labor from 1991 to 1993. This was under President George H. W. Bush. A member of the Republican Party, she also represented Illinois in the United States House of Representatives from 1981 to 1991. Before that, Martin served in the Illinois General Assembly, first in the State House and then in the State Senate.

Early Life and Education

Lynn Martin was born in Evanston, Illinois. Her father, Lawrence William Morley, was an accountant. She went to Taft High School in Chicago from 1952 to 1956. Later, she was honored by being named to Taft's Hall of Fame.

In 1960, she graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. There, she was part of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. After college, she became a teacher in the Rockford Public School District.

First Steps in Public Service

Even while teaching, Lynn Martin began her career in public office. She served on the Winnebago County board from 1972 to 1976. After that, she was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives (1977–1979). She then moved to the Illinois Senate (1979–1980).

Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives

Lynn Martin was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1980. She ran for the seat after Representative John B. Anderson decided to run for president. She won a tough primary election against three other Republicans.

In the U.S. House, she became the vice chair of the House Republican Conference. This made her the first woman to be elected to a leadership position in the Republican House Leadership. During her time in Congress, Martin worked on important committees. These included the Armed Services Committee and the Budget Committee. She also served on the House Rules Committee.

Martin's official U.S. Department of Labor portrait, by artist Peter Egeli

Working with President Bush

Lynn Martin was a strong supporter of the Reagan Administration. She helped then-Vice President George H. W. Bush get ready for his 1984 debate. This debate was against Geraldine Ferraro. Martin's tough style in practice debates helped Bush prepare better.

She was also chosen to give the speech nominating Bush at the 1984 Republican National Convention. Bush even considered her as a possible running mate for his 1988 presidential campaign. However, he eventually chose Dan Quayle.

Secretary of Labor Role

In 1991, President George H. W. Bush chose Lynn Martin to be the United States Secretary of Labor. She took on this role after Elizabeth Dole resigned. The Senate approved her appointment on January 22, 1991, with a vote of 94–0.

As Secretary of Labor, Martin focused on programs to create a skilled workforce. A key part of her work was promoting her Glass Ceiling Commission. This commission aimed to help women and minorities advance in their careers.

At the 1992 Republican National Convention, Secretary Martin again gave the speech nominating President George H. W. Bush.

Life After Politics

After leaving her role as Secretary of Labor in 1993, Lynn Martin continued to be active. From 1993 to 1999, she was a professor at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She also advised Deloitte & Touche LLP on human resources and diversity.

She was briefly a fellow at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. In 1993, she was considered for the job of Commissioner of Baseball. However, the position went to Bud Selig.

Martin also served on the boards of several major companies. These included AT&T Corporation, Ryder System Inc., and Procter & Gamble. She was also the chairman of the board for the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.

Personal Life

Lynn Martin married John Martin in 1960. They had two daughters and later divorced in 1978. In 1987, she married Harry Leinenweber, who was a U.S. District Court Judge. He passed away in 2024. She also has five stepchildren.

Awards and Recognition

In 2000, Lynn Morley Martin received a high honor from her home state. She was inducted as a laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. Illinois Governor George Ryan awarded her the Order of Lincoln. This is the state's highest honor, given for her work in government.

See also

In Spanish: Lynn Morley Martin para niños

• List of female United States Cabinet members
• Women in the United States House of Representatives