The First Lady's Biography
Karen Weston Baldacci was born in Kittery, Maine. She graduated from Dexter High School in Dexter, Maine. She received her Bachelors Degree in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Maine in Orono.
In 2000, Mrs. Baldacci returned to the University of Maine to earn her Masters of Art in Teaching Degree and began her current career as an educator. Mrs. Baldacci taught Kindergarten in the Bangor School System.
As First Lady of Maine, a Registered Dietitian and an Educator Mrs. Baldacci’s initiative work is in the areas of education, family literacy, wellness and nutrition, local agriculture and gardening. Some of her work includes:
- Leadership committee of the National Governor ’s Association Spouses’ Association, Co-Chair of Habitat for Humanity’s First Families Build, and Leadership to Keep Kids Alcohol Free.
- Mrs. Baldacci Chair’s the Governor’s Children Cabinet, the Governor’s Task Force on Early Childhood, Maine Reads, Read with ME, Keeping Maine’s Children Connected, and the Coordinated School Health Program.
- She is Honorary Chair of the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign, Arts Alliance in Education, and Raising Readers.
- She is spokesperson for the Maine Read to Feed Challenge. She is Chairing Maine Reads the Festival of the Book, and is a Member of the Kennebec Valley United Way Board.
Mrs. Baldacci has also:
- Established the Maine Youth in Excellence in Art Program, which displays Young Artist’s works throughout the State Capital Complex.
- Developed the Maine Community Literacy Project, which provides grants to local Libraries to increase literacy rates in Maine Communities.
- Anchors two TV/Cable programs for Time Warner. “Focus on the Farm” shares the stories of Maine’s local agriculture and the importance of buying locally grown farm products. “Healthy Schools, Healthy Kids”, tells the story of Maine’s Coordinated School Health Program improving the health and wellness of all Maine’s school children.
- Built a new Victorian Greenhouse, and rehabilitated a Frederick Law Olmstead Historic New England Garden at the governor’s residence, the Blaine House.
While attending college, the first lady met Governor John Baldacci and they married in 1983. The Baldacci’s have one son-Jack (16). Their family also includes two English Springer Spaniels Mia and Sam.