Jennifer Carroll, Florida’s 18th Lieutenant Governor, will keynote FAMU's Black History Month Convocation. Carroll is the first female elected as Lieutenant Governor in Florida and also the first African American elected statewide.This year’s convocation theme is “Black Women in American Culture and History.”
In addition to her duties assisting the Governor with economic development, Carroll oversees the Florida Department of Military Affairs, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, serves as the Governor’s Designee on the Florida Defense Support Task Force and as chairperson of Space Florida.
In her role as head of Military Affairs, Carroll has visited nearly every military installation in Florida. She travels to Washington, D.C. to meet with Congressional and Pentagon officials to advocate for Florida’s $65 billion military economy and defense industry. Carroll’s efforts resulted in increased military positions, military construction funding and increased defense contract opportunities for Florida’s businesses.
Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad West Indies, Carroll immigrated to the United States as a young child and served her adopted nation honorably and with distinction. Carroll enlisted in the United States Navy in 1979 rising from the ranks of an enlisted jet mechanic E-1 to retire as a Lieutenant Commander, Aviation Maintenance Officer after 20 years. During her time in the Navy, she was awarded numerous awards that include: the Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, Navy “E”, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, two Sea Service Ribbons, two Coast Guard Special Operation Ribbons, and an Expert Pistol Medal.
As a legislator, Carroll worked to pass meaningful legislation that enhanced economic development, which includes procuring $2.9 million to fund the Florida Export Finance Corporation to help employers have access to short term loans in order to retain and create jobs. She sponsored the Entertainment Economic Development Legislation that created thousands of jobs for Floridians who were paid over $485 million in wages.
Carroll is married to Nolan Carroll of Miami and they have three children: Nolan II, Nyckie and Necho.