About Maria

Maria was raised in Silver Spring, Maryland as one of five children. After graduating high school, she attended the University of Maryland where she studied Elementary Education. It was her heart for service that brought her to Tennessee where she led girls in a youth discipleship program. Maria later became a teacher at Christ Presbyterian Academy where she worked for 14 years teaching both third and fourth grades and coaching softball, track, and cross country.

Maria and Bill married in 2008. They are involved in numerous faith-based ministries that have taken them all over the world serving those in need. Maria currently serves on the board of Friend2Friend Book Project, a mission devoted to delivering uplifting literature to children and their families suffering from medical hardships.

As First Lady, Maria wants to inspire Tennesseans to live lives devoted to service with her initiative, Tennessee Serves. Maria's work is focused on serving the Volunteer State’s federally designated distressed counties while also highlighting the incredible work of nonprofits and service organizations across the state.

When traveling the state with her husband, Maria enjoys meeting so many wonderful Tennesseans. She is deeply grateful for the privilege to serve as First Lady to the great state of Tennessee.