James Earl "Chip" Carter III

James Earl "Chip" Carter III is an American businessman, advocate, and the second son of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. He has been involved in various business ventures, political campaigns, and humanitarian efforts, often in support of his family's legacy and the work of the Carter Center. While maintaining a lower public profile than his parents, he has been a steadfast figure in Democratic Party circles and global health advocacy.

Early life and education

James Earl Carter III was born on April 12, 1950, in Plains, Georgia, the third of four children. He grew up in the family's modest home in Sumter County, Georgia, where his father managed the family peanut warehouse business before entering state politics. His childhood was marked by his father's rapid political ascent from the Georgia State Senate to the Governorship and, ultimately, the White House. He attended local schools before enrolling at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Georgia, though he left before graduating to assist with the family business and his father's 1976 presidential campaign.

Career

Chip Carter's professional life has been diverse, spanning agriculture, consulting, and advocacy. During the late 1970s, he worked in the Carter family peanut business and served as a senior advisor during the Carter administration. Following his father's electoral defeat in 1980, he pursued various entrepreneurial ventures, including a stint as a political consultant and work in the energy sector. He has also been involved in international trade, facilitating business relationships between American companies and partners in regions like the Middle East and Asia. Throughout, he has frequently represented the Carter Center at events and supported its initiatives in democracy and public health.

Personal life

Chip Carter has been married twice. His first marriage was to Ginger Hodges in 1978, with whom he had a son, James Earl Carter IV; the couple divorced in 1991. In 1996, he married Becky Payne, a clinical psychologist, and they have one daughter together. The family has resided primarily in Georgia, maintaining close ties to the Plains community. He has faced personal challenges, including a period of estrangement from his parents during the 1980s, which was later reconciled. His interests include sports and outdoor activities, and he remains an active member of Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains.

Public service and advocacy

Aligning with his family's deep commitment to humanitarian work, Chip Carter has been a prominent advocate for the Carter Center's missions. He has traveled extensively to support programs combating diseases like Guinea worm disease and river blindness in Africa and Latin America. He has also been involved in the Center's election monitoring efforts, observing pivotal votes in nations such as Liberia and Nepal. Domestically, he has campaigned for Democratic candidates, including his father's presidential bids and later campaigns for figures like Bill Clinton and Joe Biden. He continues to serve on boards and committees dedicated to global health and conflict resolution.

Category:1950 births Category:American businesspeople Category:Children of presidents of the United States Category:People from Plains, Georgia Category:People from Sumter County, Georgia Category:Living people