Jennifer Carroll

Jennifer Carroll, Florida's 18th lieutenant governor, served from January 2011 to March 2013. She is the state's first Black American and first woman elected as lieutenant governor, and the first Black person elected to statewide office in Florida since Reconstruction.

Carroll was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies, on August 27, 1959. She immigrated to the United States when she was eight. Following her graduation from Uniondale High School in New York, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After 20 years of service, she retired as a lieutenant commander. She received her Associate of Arts degree in 1981 from Leeward Community College, Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1985 from the University of New Mexico, and a Master of Business Administration degree from St. Leo University.

Prior to serving as lieutenant governor, Carroll served in Florida's House of Representatives for seven years (2003 to 2010). While serving in the House of Representatives, she supported legislation to enhance economic development, procuring $2.9 million to fund the Florida Export Finance Corporation, which aims to help employees have access to short term loans to retain and create jobs. She also sponsored entertainment economic development legislation, as well as legislation that created a tax refund program for qualified, targeted industry businesses.

During her time in the Florida House, Carroll was appointed deputy majority leader (2003 to 2004), vice chair of the Transportation and Economic Development Committee (2003 to 2004), and majority whip (2004 to 2006). She chaired the Finance Committee from 2006 to 2008 and chaired the Economic and Development Council from 2008 to 2010. She was recognized on the Florida Chamber of Commerce Honor Roll. She was also awarded the Faith and Family Award from the Christian Coalition of Florida, the Florida Veterans Service Officers Association Legislator of the Year Award and the Florida Retail Federation Legislator of the Year Award.

Carroll resigned as lieutenant governor in March 2013 after charges were brought against an organization formerly represented by her public relations firm.

Sources:

Ballotpedia (n.d.). "Jennifer Caroll" Ballotpedia. Retrieved September 26, 2022. https://ballotpedia.org/Jennifer_Carroll