Valerie Sununu

About

Valerie Sununu became the first lady of New Hampshire when her husband, Governor Christopher Sununu, was sworn in as New Hampshire’s 82^ndgovernor on Jan. 5, 2017.

Mrs. Sununu grew up outside of Boston in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and attended high school in Swampscott, Massachusetts. She received an academic scholarship to attend Simmons College in Boston. Mrs. Sununu graduated with both a B.A. in Spanish language and literature and a B.A. in special education. Her first teaching job was for the Chelsea public schools where she had the opportunity to give back to her hometown community. She then moved across the country to establish the inaugural inclusion program in the public schools of Mill Valley, California. Mrs. Sununu returned to the East Coast to attend Harvard University’s School of Education where she earned her Ed.M. in human development and psychology in 2004.

Mrs. Sununu maintains a private practice as a learning specialist, focusing on children, ages 3-18. She has served on numerous civic and community committees and boards throughout her life and professional career.

As first lady, Mrs. Sununu works to raise awareness and increase funding for several causes that support education, childhood development, reading, local and small businesses, and addiction recovery. Mrs. Sununu currently serves as board president of the Friends of Bridges House (the New Hampshire executive residence).

The first lady and Governor Sununu met in college and married in 2001. They have three children: Calvin, Edith and Leonardo.