Karen Smith
Karen Golding Smith | |
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Senator from Princeland | |
Assumed office January 4, 2010 Serving with Nicholas Wallis | |
Appointed by | Paul Ellsworth |
Preceded by | John R. Campbell |
Personal details | |
Born | Karen Lynn Golding November 27, 1970 Goldsboro, Rhodesia |
Political party | United Democratic Front |
Spouse(s) | Mark Smith (m. 1977; div. 1982) Anthony Schultz (m. 1985) |
Children | Thomas Schultz |
Alma mater | University of Rhodesia (B.S.) Rhodes University (M.S.) |
Signature | |
Website | Campaign website |
Karen Golding Smith (née Golding born April 15, 1954) is an Rhodesian politician and businesswoman serving as the senior Senator for Princeland since 2010. Smith previously served as president and chief executive officer of BlueCross and BlueShield of Cecilton from 2001 till her retirement in 2009. She is also the co-owner of the Mount Gambier Fury, a professional soccer franchise based in Mount Gambier, Princeland.
On December 7, 2009, Princeland Governor Paul Ellsworth selected Smith as the successor to Senator John R. Campbell, who announced his intention to resign at the end of 2009 for personal reasons. She was sworn into office on January 4, 2010. On April 7, 2010, she defeated Tom Campanella to succeed Senator John R. Campbell, becoming Princeland's first elected female Senator.
A member of the United Democratic Front, Smith is the UDF nominee for the 2020 Rhodesian presidential election, running against incumbent Daniel Schaeffer.