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Maureen McDonnell
Maureen McDonnell, Virginia’s First Lady, has been married to Governor Bob McDonnell for 35 years. The McDonnell’s have five children, Jeanine, Cailin, Rachel and twins - Bobby and Sean.
The oldest daughter, Jeanine, is a graduate of Notre Dame and recently completed a tour of duty in Iraq as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army. She currently works for SAIC. Cailin recently graduated from VCU with a Masters in Criminal Justice and married Chris Young. She also works as a Henrico County Victim Witness Advocate. Rachel graduated from James Madison University in May, 2010 and is now pursuing her master’s in Communications from Virginia Tech. Twins, Bobby and Sean, are sophomores at the University of Virginia. The family dog, Ginger, is a terrier – sheltie mix and is a rescue dog.
A native of Fairfax County, Mrs. McDonnell began her career working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She later worked for both the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and the Department of Defense. During the 1970’s, Mrs. McDonnell was a member of the Redskinettes, now known as the Washington Redskin’s Cheerleaders.
Following her years of government service, Mrs. McDonnell launched a successful small business in the marketing of nutritional healthcare and consumer products and for the past 13 years served as president of her own small company. Mrs. McDonnell has completed significant course work and has attended numerous health seminars throughout the United States to learn from some of the nation’s top healthcare providers how nutritional supplementation can improve a person’s health
With over 25 years experience in the area of nutritional healthcare, Mrs. McDonnell is an advocate for healthy living through nutrition and fitness. She is currently working with the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth on the issue of childhood obesity.
The First Lady is also involved with numerous community and cultural organizations including serving as Chairman for Friends of Virginia History’s Commission on Women”, serving on the Board of the Richmond Ballet, serving on the Council of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and is the Honorary Chair for MINDS WIDE OPEN: Virginia Celebrates Women in the Arts and working with Blue Star Mothers in support of Military Families.