Ann Veneman

Ann M. Veneman was born in Modesto, [California]. She graduated from the University of California, Davis with a bachelor's degree in political science, then went on to gain a Master of Public Policy from the University if California, Berkley. She also earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law. She began her legal career with staff attorney with the General Counsel's office of the Bay Area Rapid Transit District in 1976. From 1979 to 1980 she served as Deputy Public Defender in Modesto. In 1980, she joined the Modesto law firm of Damrell, Damrell and Nelson, where she was an associate and later a partner. She held the position of Secretary of Agriculture with the USDA from 2001-2005. In 2005 she became the Executive Director of UNICEF. Since her appointment with UNICEF she has prioritized the Millennium Development Goals to support health and education for children worldwide.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Ann Margaret Veneman
2. Born on: June 29, 1949
3. Birthplace: Modesto, California
4. Attended: University of California, Berkley, University of California, Davis and UC Hastings College of Law
5. Legal career: 1976-1986
6. First woman to become United States Secretary of Agriculture
7. Sworn in as Secretary of Agriculture on January 20, 2001¹
8. Current position: Executive Director of UNICEF
9. Became director of UNICEF on May 1, 2005
10. Party Affiliation: Republican
11. Briefly floated as possible Obama running mate in July 2008²

Related Pages on Mahalo

USDA | UNICEF | Republican Party | George W. Bush | Kofi Annan | Ban Ki-moon | California

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