Getting to Know Robin
In Missouri, where the name Carnahan has long been associated with public service,
Robin continues that tradition as Secretary of State.
Preparation for Service
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The Carnahan Family: (back) Jean, Mel, Robin, Russ (front) Deb, Tom
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“I grew up on a farm near Rolla, Missouri, where I participated in the many chores that are part of rural life,” Robin recalls. After graduating from Rolla High School, where she was president of her senior class, she studied at William Jewell College, a small Baptist college in Liberty, Missouri, and for a year at the University of Southampton, England. In 1983, she earned a bachelor's degree in Economics, graduating magna cum laude.
Robin went on to earn a juris doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, where she served as executive editor of the Virginia Journal of International Law. She returned to Missouri and began practicing law with the St. Louis law firm of Thompson and Mitchell (now Thompson and Coburn), where she specialized in business and corporate law.
Promoting Democracy Around the World
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Robin, with Sec. of State Madeline Albright and fellow National Democratic Insitute members, giving a report to the Ukrainian media.
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In 1990, Robin went to work in central and eastern Europe with the National Democratic Institute where she helped rebuild the region’s democracies and economies by drafting voting laws, training new political leaders, and monitoring elections. Since then, she has worked in six countries to promote democracy and free elections.
Robin also served as an executive at the Export-Import Bank of the United States, where she explored innovative ways to help American companies increase their sale of goods and services abroad.
Building on her wide experience in law, business, and elections, Robin ran for Missouri’s Secretary of State in 2004, winning her first bid for elective office by over 100,000 votes.
Since taking office, Robin has proven to be one of our state and nation’s most effective public servants. In 2005, the Aspen Institute, a leading non-partisan political think tank, identified her as one of 24 “rising stars” in American politics based on her ability to work across party lines to get things done.
A Small Business Owner
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There is always work to be done on the family farm near Rolla, Missouri.
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Robin manages the family’s 700-acre farm and Angus cattle operation outside of Rolla. Whether she is working with the cattle, skeet shooting, or riding horses, there is always something to do. Determined to keep the family farm intact after her father and brother’s death, Robin took over the cattle operation that was started 25 years ago by her brother, Randy.
She knows firsthand that small business owners have no time for red tape and paperwork. That's why she has worked to ensure the Secretary of State’s office is a place that makes it easy for businesses to get started and to keep going.
Rural Roots and Family Values
Robin, a fifth generation Missourian, is from a family long-devoted to public service. Her father, Mel Carnahan, served in the Missouri House, as State Treasurer, Lt. Governor, and Governor. Her mother, Jean Carnahan, served as Missouri’s first woman United States Senator. And her grandfather, A.S.J. Carnahan, was a congressman for fourteen years from south-central Missouri before being appointed by President John Kennedy to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Africa.
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Robin and her husband, Juan Carlos.
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Robin’s brother, Russ Carnahan, currently represents Missouri’s Third District in Congress. Her brother, Tom Carnahan, also lives in St. Louis and is president of Wind Capital Group, a wind energy development company.
“I learned about public service at the dinner table, listening to my folks talk about the issues of the day,” Robin recalls. “I learned from them that politics is not about power and privilege, it’s about improving people’s lives—about giving back to others through your community and public service.”
Robin and her husband, Juan Carlos, (originally from Colombia, South America), live in St. Louis City, where he develops and maintains business computer systems.
Other Interests
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Robin completes the Race for the Cure.
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She is an instrument-rated pilot, flying her 4-seat Beechcraft plane for fun and on campaign trips around the state.
At the farm, Robin combines her love of horses and the outdoors, whether she is out working cattle or enjoying a long trail ride.
Though she has traveled to far-away places, she most often enjoys exploring the natural beauty of Missouri, hiking the wooded areas, hunting for morel mushrooms, or canoeing down an Ozark stream.
