ane Swift earned her place in history as the first woman to serve as Governor of Massachusetts and as the first governor in the United States to give birth while in office, to twin girls.  Swift’s term as governor capped more than a decade of public service, as a state senator, a lieutenant governor and a governor, devoted to improving the lives of children and families across Massachusetts. 

           Swift views public education as among the most essential roles of state government.  As such, ensuring excellence in every school was her top priority as an elected official.  As a three-term State Senator, Swift assisted in drafting the landmark 1993 Education Reform Act.  As Lieutenant Governor and Governor she implemented many of the critical, but controversial components of the new law.

As Governor from April 2001 to January 2003, Swift implemented sweeping changes in the public schools, which have been ranked among the best in the nation.  Under her leadership, Massachusetts public schools benefited from statewide curriculum frameworks, rigorous standards, and a superior assessment system.  Recognizing the gains made in the public schools, the U.S. Department of Education in January 2003 declared Massachusetts schools a national model for other states to follow.

Complementing her work in grade schools, Swift directed a review of early education programs and services, and spearheaded improvements to the state’s adult education and training programs.  Also, she advocated policies to help parents balance work and family, and championed the needs of foster children, working to increase adoptions and guarantee free college tuitions.

            Swift became governor on April 10, 2001, when Governor Paul Cellucci resigned to become the U.S. Ambassador to Canada.  The following month, Swift delivered twin girls, making history as well as national and international news.

Elected Lieutenant Governor in November 1998, Swift was the first woman to run for statewide office while pregnant (she gave birth to her first daughter days before the election.) 

As Lieutenant Governor, she worked as “co-governor” with Cellucci to stimulate economic growth, impose fiscal discipline, improve public education, and enhance the quality of life for working families.  Then as the Chief Executive of the nation’s 13th largest state, Swift was responsible for overseeing a $23 billion annual operating budget, and for setting strategic direction for 13 cabinet agencies and divisions.

She was elected by her fellow governors to the Executive Committee of the Republican Governor’s Association and the Vice-Chair of the New England Governor’s Association.

Swift began her political career in 1990, when the 25-year-old became the youngest woman ever elected to the Massachusetts State Senate.  She quickly became the youngest woman in Senate history to hold a leadership position when she rose to the rank of Assistant Minority Leader.

In 1997, Governor Cellucci appointed Swift as Director of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.  Prior to that position, she served as Director of Regional Airport Development at the Massachusetts Port Authority.

Swift has been featured on national television programs such as 60 Minutes, The Early Show on CBS, The Today Show on NBC, The View on ABC, and Inside Politics on CNN.  Glamour magazine once declared her “One of 11 Women Who Could Change the Country.”

Swift, who has received six honorary doctorates and numerous awards, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies from Trinity College, in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1987.  She has held fellowships at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and at Williams College.

            Swift serves on the boards of Sally Ride Science, Animated Speech Corporation, and Suburban Propane.  In addition, Swift is a member of the not-for-profit boards Landmark Volunteers and College Summit. 

            Swift remains actively involved in politics by serving on the Board of Directors of the Republican Leadership Council, and in advisory board capacities with the Republican Majority for Choice and the WISH List.

            Currently, Swift is also providing education policy advice to the McCain Presidential Committee.

            An active member of her community, Swift serves on the Williamstown Elementary School PTO, and on the Community Outreach board for the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams. 

A native of North Adams, Massachusetts, Swift resides with her husband, Chuck Hunt, and their three daughters in Williamstown, Massachusetts.

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