Connecticut

M. Jodi Rell
Governor

M. Jodi Rell became Governor in July 2004, having served as Lieutenant Governor since 1994. She was elected to her own term as Governor in November 2006. She was previously a member of the state House of Representatives for ten years, serving in many leadership positions, including Assistant Minority Leader and Deputy Minority Leader.

Governor Rell attended Old Dominion University and Western Connecticut State University. She has received many public service awards including the prestigious Arnold Markle Public Service Award, and an honorary doctorate of law degree from the University of Hartford.

Governor Rell has focused on such critical issues as education, transportation, the environment, healthcare, government reform and the economy. She has worked for state actions as well as individual initiatives to improve traffic safety, responsible growth, and energy conservation. Under her leadership, Connecticut has invested in innovative early childhood programs as well as historic levels of capital investment in the state's railways, busways, highways and ports.

In her 2008 State of the State address, Governor Rell called for "fiscal caution, fiscal restraint," and spoke of the need for property tax relief, improved safety on highways, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Governor Rell and her husband Lou are parents to two children.