Mary Pat Christie
Mary Pat Christie | |
|---|---|
| Born | Mary Pat Foster September 15, 1963 Paoli, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Occupation | Investment banker |
| Years active | –2015 (investment banking) |
| Known for | First Lady of New Jersey (2010–2018) |
Mary Pat Christie (born Foster; September 15, 1963) is an American professional in investment banking and served as the First Lady of New Jersey between 2010 and 2018. She is married to Chris Christie, the former Governor of New Jersey and presidential contender in the 2016 and 2024 races.
Early life and education
Originating from Paoli, Pennsylvania, Christie is the ninth child among ten siblings in an Irish Catholic household. At the University of Delaware, she was elected Class President for the Class of 1985, while her future husband held the same role for the Class of 1984. She later obtained an MBA degree from Seton Hall University located in New Jersey.
Marriage
Both having recently graduated from the University of Delaware, Mary Pat and Chris Christie wed in 1986 and initially resided in a studio apartment situated in Summit, New Jersey. The couple has four children: Andrew (born 1993), Sarah (born 1996), Patrick (born 2000), and Bridget (born 2003). Their family home is in Mendham Township, New Jersey.
Governor Christie has acknowledged that his wife’s accomplishments as a bond trader provided financial support during his political career, which offered modest compensation. When asked about this dynamic, he humorously referred to their "joint checking account," highlighting their shared approach to finances. Mary Pat opted not to relocate the family to the official Governor’s Mansion to maintain stability for their children’s education.
Career
Mary Pat Christie developed her career within investment banking, initially working at a Wall Street firm near the World Trade Center. During the events of September 11, 2001, she experienced a loss of cell phone service, preventing communication with her family amid the attacks.
She rose to the position of managing director at Angelo, Gordon & Co., a distinguished investment firm on Wall Street. In April 2015, she stepped down from her role at Angelo Gordon to prioritize family commitments.
Civic activity
In response to Hurricane Sandy in 2012, Mary Pat took a three-month hiatus from work to found and lead the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund. Additionally, she serves as head of both the Drumthwacket Foundation and New Jersey Heroes, utilizing her expertise in fundraising. She also applied these skills during Governor Christie’s 2016 presidential campaign.
Presidential campaign
Throughout 2015, Mary Pat played an active role in campaigning alongside Governor Christie. During a January 2016 blizzard when he returned to New Jersey, she remained in New Hampshire to cover scheduled events and sustain campaign momentum.
External links
- 1963 births
- American investment bankers
- American women bankers
- American people of Irish descent
- Chris Christie
- First ladies and gentlemen of New Jersey
- Living people
- New Jersey Republicans
- People from Paoli, Pennsylvania
- People from Mendham Township, New Jersey
- People from Summit, New Jersey
- Seton Hall University alumni
- University of Delaware alumni