Who is Jennifer Carroll? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Jennifer Sandra Carroll

Age: 65 Years, 65 Year Old Females

Family:

children: Nolan Carroll

Political Leaders American Women

political ideology: Political party - Republican

More Facts

education: University of New Mexico, Saint Leo University, Leeward Community College, Kensington University

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Childhood & Early Life

Jennifer Carroll was born on August 27, 1959, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

When she was eight, her family moved to the United States and in 1977, she graduated from Uniondale High School in Uniondale, Long Island, New York.

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Career

In 1979, Jennifer Carroll, was recruited by the U.S. Navy where she served as an aviation machinist's mate. Later, she was short-listed for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and was appointed as an Aviation Maintenance Duty Officer in 1985.

In 1981, she obtained an Associate of Arts degree from Leeward Community College and four years later received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of New Mexico.

In 1986, she moved to Florida from where she completed her MBA from the unaccredited and now defunct Kensington University in 1995.

In 1999, she retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander and the following year, she ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida's third congressional district but lost to incumbent Corrine Brown.

Following her defeat in the 2000 election, she was appointed Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, a post she served in until July 2002.

In 2003, after incumbent State Representative, Mike Hogan, resigned from his post, she ran for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives in the 13th state House district.

In the April 2003 special election, she won and became the first African-American female Republican ever to be elected to the Florida Legislature. She won unopposed in 2004, 2006, and 2008.

From 2001 to 2004, she worked on the Commission on Presidential Scholars and later served on the Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission from 2004 to 2007.

She also served as the Chairman of the 2004 Republican National Convention Committee on Permanent Organization and was a delegate to the 2004 Republican National Convention.

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In 2008, she returned to school to earn an accredited MBA degree online from St. Leo University.

In 2011, she became the 18th Lieutenant Governor of the U.S. state of Florida, the first black American and the first woman elected to the position.

In 2012, she became a Member of the Republican National Convention Credentials Committee and served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention.

In March 2013, she resigned from her post as Lieutenant Governor following a controversy concerning money laundering and racketeering in connection with Allied Veterans of the Worlds illegal gambling companies.

Major Works

While serving as a legislator, Jennifer Carroll worked to pass noteworthy legislations that enhanced economic development in order to help employers in retaining and creating jobs. She also helped in securing large sums for many road projects, health, education, and social programs, and water and environmental projects in northeast Florida.

As the head of Military Affairs, she did a considerable amount of work to increase the military construction funding and expand the defense contract opportunities for Florida's businesses. She was active in protecting Florida's military installations from intrusion which also helped to conserve Florida's precious natural lands and waterways.

She also contributed significantly as an Executive Director of Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. During her stint, more than $63 million in rectroactive compensation was awarded to Florida’s veterans.

Awards & Achievements

During her time in the Navy, Jennifer Carroll received numerous accolades including the Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, two Navy Volunteer Service Medals, and an Expert Pistol Medal.

In 2013, she was presented with the ‘International Women's Day Award’ by the World Trade Center Miami.

In 2014, she received the Virtuous Woman Award from ‘The Community Arts and Culture’.

Personal Life & Legacy

Jennifer Carroll is married to Nolan Carroll and the couple is blessed with three children: Nolan II, Nyckie and Necho.

Jennifer Carroll Biography