"I share Leadership's concern for America's youth, and the danger posed to them by an increasing use of alcohol." —Mary Perdue

Introducing Mary Perdue, First Lady of Georgia

As First Lady of Georgia, Mary Perdue has vowed to fight for children, whether in the public education system, in the juvenile justice system, or in State custody. She believes that if we reach children in their early years, we can avoid many of the social problems that plague teenagers and adults. Mrs. Perdue joined Leadership in 2003 and has demonstrated her dedication to children and alcohol prevention on the local and State levels. In May 2006, she and Governor Perdue hosted an after-prom party for a local high school, at the Governor's Mansion. The event promoted safe driving and responsible behavior for teenagers.

Mrs. Perdue has also supported SAMHSA's Reach Out Now National Teach-In, which educates 5th- and 6th-graders on the dangers of underage drinking. In 2004 and 2005, she wrote a letter to the Superintendent of the Georgia Department of Education, joining the other Governors' spouses in recognizing Alcohol Awareness Month and stressing the risk of underage drinking for children. In 2004, Governor Perdue also lent his support to these events by proclaiming April Alcohol Awareness Month in the State.

Since 1998, the Perdues have participated in a foster parents' program and have provided a home for eight babies awaiting a permanent family. In August 2003, Mrs. Perdue launched the First Lady's Our Children Campaign, an initiative to encourage more individuals, corporations, and faith community organizations to take an active role in addressing the human needs of their local communities. Another initiative, the First Lady's Children's Cabinet, comprises commissioners and department heads from all State agencies that deal with children. Their mission is to stem abuse and neglect, promote foster care and adoption, and raise public awareness of children's issues in general.

Mrs. Perdue attended the University of Georgia, and received a master’s degree in speech and language pathology from Ohio State University. She worked as a speech pathologist in the public school system until 1997. The Perdues have two daughters and two sons.