Jennifer Carroll

Jennifer Carroll was born on August 27, 1959, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

When she was eight, her family moved to the United States and in 1977, she graduated from Uniondale High School in Uniondale, Long Island, New York.

In 1979, Jennifer Carroll, was recruited by the U.S. Navy where she served as an aviation machinist's mate. Later, she was short-listed for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and was appointed as an Aviation Maintenance Duty Officer in 1985.

In 1981, she obtained an Associate of Arts degree from Leeward Community College and four years later received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of New Mexico.

In 1986, she moved to Florida from where she completed her MBA from the unaccredited and now defunct Kensington University in 1995.

In 1999, she retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander and the following year, she ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida's third congressional district but lost to incumbent Corrine Brown.

Following her defeat in the 2000 election, she was appointed Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, a post she served in until July 2002.

While serving as a legislator, Jennifer Carroll worked to pass noteworthy legislations that enhanced economic development in order to help employers in retaining and creating jobs. She also helped in securing large sums for many road projects, health, education, and social programs, and water and environmental projects in northeast Florida.

As the head of Military Affairs, she did a considerable amount of work to increase the military construction funding and expand the defense contract opportunities for Florida's businesses. She was active in protecting Florida's military installations from intrusion which also helped to conserve Florida's precious natural lands and waterways.

She also contributed significantly as an Executive Director of Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. During her stint, more than $63 million in rectroactive compensation was awarded to Florida’s veterans.

Awards & Achievements

During her time in the Navy, Jennifer Carroll received numerous accolades including the Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, two Navy Volunteer Service Medals, and an Expert Pistol Medal.