Jack Markell
From dKosopedia
From the Governor's Official Biography:
Governor Jack Markell has been recognized in Delaware and across the country as a leader in promoting policies to help all people achieve their economic potential. Governor Markell’s administration faces historic challenges including a steep economic downturn and large budget shortfalls but he and his team are focusing on growing the economy, creating jobs and protecting taxpayers. Governor Markell brings innovative public and private sector experience to the Office of Governor and is committed to making Delaware’s government more effective and efficient.
Governor Markell, 48, was born and raised in Newark, Delaware and graduated from Newark High School along with his wife, Carla. He went on to receive an undergraduate degree in economics and development studies from Brown University and an MBA from the University of Chicago.
He began his career in the private sector helping lead the wireless technology revolution as the 13th employee at Nextel (a name he coined) where he served as Senior Vice President for Corporate Development. His other work experience includes a senior management position at Comcast Corporation and work as a consultant with McKinsey and Company, Incorporated and as a banker at First Chicago Corporation.
Governor Markell left the private sector ten years ago to pursue his passion for public service. He was elected State Treasurer in 1998, a position he held for three consecutive terms. He won his last re-election in November of 2006 with an overwhelming 70% of the vote before being elected Governor in November of 2008.
As State Treasurer, Governor Markell worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Delawareans through innovative programs aimed at cutting spending and improving individual fiscal responsibility.
Governor Markell saved taxpayers more than $25 million since 2002 by instituting state-of-the-art bulk purchasing policies for Delaware’s State Government earning him recognition from a number of public policy organizations.
His help creating a program called “Health Rewards” which improves the health care of state employees and reduces health care costs with comprehensive physical exams was recognized by The Council of State Governments with one of its coveted Innovation Awards.
The Council of State Governments also bestowed the same prestigious award to The Delaware Money School, a program Governor Markell created to increase financial literacy. So far more than 20,000 Delawareans have participated in free classes on topics such as saving for college and retirement planning. Additionally, Governor Markell created the Consumer Tool Chest to keep seniors safe and to help them prepare for their retirement.
Governor Markell’s efforts to promote awareness of the federal earned income tax credit which provides money to working families who are near the poverty line brought more than $17 million into the pockets of more than 12,000 working Delawareans. With his leadership, the help of 460 volunteers and the Nehemiah Gateway Community Development Corporation, thousands of families who qualified for the assistance were able to take part in the 2007 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) campaign.
Planning for a brighter future is a priority for Governor Markell which is why he released a visionary report from the State Treasurer’s Office “Delaware Facing Forward” which predicted many of the financial challenges we are currently facing as a state and a first of its kind campaign policy book “A Blueprint for a Better Delaware.”
Governor Markell and his wife, Carla currently live in Wilmington with their two children, Molly and Michael.
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