Episode #440. Kentucky Lieutenant Governor-Jaqueline Coleman (2019-2027)
Jacqueline Coleman, born on June 9, 1982, in Danville, Kentucky, is an American educator and politician serving as the 58th Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky since December 10, 2019.
A lifelong Kentuckian, she was raised on a farm in Mercer County and has dedicated her career to education and public service.
Educational Background and Early Career
Coleman graduated from Mercer County High School, where she was an active basketball player. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Centre College, where she also played basketball.
She furthered her education with a Master’s degree from the University of Louisville and pursued a doctorate in educational leadership at the University of Kentucky.
Her professional career includes roles as a high school social studies teacher and basketball coach at Burgin High School and East Jessamine High School.
She was recognized as the Coach of the Year for Region 12 in 2015 by the Kentucky Association of Basketball Coaches. Coleman also served as an assistant principal at Nelson County High School.
Political Career
In 2014, Coleman ran as a Democratic candidate for the 55th District of the Kentucky House of Representatives but was not elected.
In 2019, she was selected as the running mate for gubernatorial candidate Andy Beshear.
The Beshear-Coleman ticket won the election, and she was inaugurated as Lieutenant Governor on December 10, 2019.
She was re-elected alongside Governor Beshear in November 2023, with their current term set to end on December 7, 2027.
As Lieutenant Governor, Coleman has been a staunch advocate for public education, leveraging her extensive background in the field.
She has focused on initiatives aimed at increasing teacher pay, expanding access to universal pre-kindergarten programs, and enhancing student mental health services.
In 2013, she founded Lead Kentucky, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering college women in the state to become future leaders.
Personal Life
Jacqueline Coleman is married to Chris O’Bryan. They have a daughter named Evelynne, and she is also the adoptive mother to Emma and a stepmother to Will and Nate. The family resides in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Recent Developments
In December 2023, Coleman underwent a successful double mastectomy following concerns raised during a routine medical examination. She cited a significant family history of cancer as a factor in her decision and expressed gratitude for the support from her family and healthcare providers. She emphasized the importance of preventive health measures and anticipated a full recovery.
Throughout her tenure, Coleman has remained committed to addressing educational challenges and advocating for policies that support Kentucky’s students and educators.