Maureen McDonnell - Bio
Maureen McDonnell, Virginia’s First Lady, has been married to Governor Bob McDonnell for 36 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 received her Master’s in Communication from Virginia Tech in June, 2012.. Twins, Bobby and Sean, are juniors at the University of Virginia. The family dog, Ginger, is a terrier – sheltie mix.
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 Honorary Chair for the following groups: Friends of Virginia History’s Commission on Women, MINDS WIDE OPEN: Virginia Celebrates Women in the Arts National Days of Action, STEM Essay Contest for high school girls, The Great American Cleanup, Washington Performing Arts Society, and Family Day in Virginia. She is also an Honorary Member of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra League. Additionally, Mrs. McDonnell serves on the Council of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and enjoys working with Blue Star Mothers in support of Military Families.
