Diana Rauner
Diana Rauner is the second and current wife of business man and politician, Bruce Rauner. Her husband is the current Governor of Illinois, making her the current first lady.
Bruce Vincent Rauner was born in Illinois and is a self-made businessman. He attended Dartmouth College and later earn an M.B.A. from Harvard.
Rauner is known for helping Golder, Thoma, Cressey (later GTCR) –become one of the most successful and respected businesses in Illinois. Bruce was sworn in as the 42nd Governor of Illinois in 2015 and along with his wife, Diana Rauner is known to be a big supporter of education.
Find out more about Diana Rauner in her top facts below.
#1 She is a NY native
Diane Mendley Rauner was raised in a Reform Jewish home in New York.
#2 Diana Rauner has a PhD
She is a Yale graduate –where she was also known for her fencing skills. Diana Rauner also holds a MBA from Stanford University and a PhD in development psychology from the University of Chicago.
#3 She is Bruce’s second wife
Bruce was first married to wife, Elizabeth Konker Wessel –with whom he fathered three children. The two were married from 1980 until 1990 and their marriage was finalized in 1993.
#4 Diana Rauner is a mom of three
Diana and her husband have welcome three children together. In total, her husband is the father of two sons and four daughters.
#5 She appeared in a video supporting her husband’s campaign.
Diana said in the video in support of her husband’s run as a governor
“I’m a lifelong Democrat, but enough is enough and the Democratic politicians in Springfield have got to be controlled and I know that is what my husband will do as governor.”
#6 The smiley political spouse has worked in the non-profit sector.
Diana Rauner was born Diana Elizabeth Mendley; she was known as the “face and voice for the Ounce of Prevention Fund.”
#7 She is the current president at the Ounce of Prevention Fund
Public-private partnership that prepares children for success in school and in life. Diana was appointed president in January 2011, having previously served as a Board member and later as the organization’s executive director.
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