First Lady Mary Pawlenty and Governor Tim Pawlenty visit the White House.

Biography

First Lady Mary Anderson Pawlenty grew up in Edina, Minnesota, the youngest of five daughters. She graduated from Edina-East High School in 1979. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science, summa cum laude, from Bethel College in 1983, and a juris doctor, cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1986. The first lady practiced law in Houston, Texas for one year following graduation, and then returned to Minnesota to marry Governor Tim Pawlenty, whom she had met in law school.

In 1994, while practicing as a partner and civil litigator, the first lady was appointed to the bench as a district court judge by then Governor Arne Carlson. She served as a judge from 1994 to 2007 in the First Judicial District and was chambered in Hastings, Minnesota. Her work as a judge included all levels of criminal, civil, family, and juvenile cases. Currently, Mrs. Pawlenty works as a mediator and arbitrator of civil disputes.

As first lady of Minnesota, Mrs. Pawlenty frequently visits elementary schools to teach students about democracy and the three branches of government, with a special emphasis on the judiciary. She has also created the First Lady's Heart Health Initiative, an awareness campaign for women about reducing the risk of heart disease and the First Lady's Military Family Care Initiative, a program that allows community-based organizations to volunteer their time and services to help families of deployed military service members.

First Lady Mary Pawlenty received the distinguished "Patrick Henry Award" from the National Guard Association of the United States for her efforts in creating her First Lady's Military Family Care Initiative. The Patrick Henry Award is designed to provide recognition to local officials and civic leaders, who in a position of great responsibility, distinguished themselves with outstanding and exceptional service to the Armed Forces of the United States, the National Guard or the National Guard Association of the United States.

The first lady also received the Order of St. Maurice Civis Award from The National Infantry Association in 2005. The Order of St. Maurice Civis Award, which is named after the patron saint of the United States Infantry, is given to civilian supporters who have made significant or outstanding contributions to the Infantry. To date, less than 150 Civis Awards have been given nationally since the award was established in 1996.

In her free time, the first lady enjoys reading, fishing, hiking and exploring Minnesota with her children. Click here to learn more about some of the first lady's favorite Minnesota places.

The first lady and Governor are the proud parents of two daughters.