Remarkable Woman – Kathleen Babineaux Blanco

First Woman Elected Governor in Louisiana

Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, a native of New Iberia, Louisiana, began her illustrious career after earning a bachelor's degree in business education from UL Lafayette (then the University of Southwestern Louisiana) in 1964. Starting as a teacher at Breaux Bridge High School, she quickly broke political barriers by becoming the first woman from Lafayette Parish elected to the state legislature in 1984. In 1986, she further cemented her legacy as the first woman elected to the Louisiana Public Service Commission, eventually chairing the commission in 1993 and 1994.

Blanco's political journey continued as she served two terms as Louisiana's lieutenant governor, beginning in 1996. Re-elected with overwhelming support, she played a pivotal role in overseeing the state's Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, contributing to a $2.5 billion increase in the tourism industry's economic output and the creation of 21,000 new jobs. Her initiatives included launching the Audubon Golf Trail and administering the Louisiana Serve Commission and the Louisiana Retirement Development Commission.

In 2004, Blanco shattered another glass ceiling by becoming Louisiana’s first woman governor. Her administration focused on education reform, chairing the Southern Regional Education Board, and making significant strides in economic development. Under her leadership, nearly $24 billion in new investments poured into the state, creating approximately 35,000 jobs. She expanded access to health insurance for children and overhauled the juvenile justice system, earning national recognition.

Blanco's tenure was defined by her leadership during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the largest natural disaster in American history. Her revamped evacuation plan saved countless lives, moving 1.3 million people to safety. She commanded the largest deployment of National Guardsmen by any governor in U.S. history and secured critical funding from Congress to aid in the state's recovery. Her efforts led to the establishment of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, safeguarding Louisiana’s wetlands against future storms.

After retiring from public office, Blanco dedicated herself to various boards and committees aimed at improving education, healthcare, and alleviating poverty. She spearheaded the creation of the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, ensuring her legacy of passionate public service would continue.

Governor Blanco passed away on August 18, 2019, following a battle with cancer. Her indomitable spirit and commitment to Louisiana live on through the work of the policy center that bears her name.