Karyn Polito

Karyn Polito is an American attorney and politician who served as the 72nd Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts from 2015 to 2023 alongside Governor Charlie Baker. A member of the Republican Party, she previously served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives representing the 11th Worcester district. Her tenure was marked by a focus on local aid, economic development, and combating the opioid crisis.

Early life and education

Karyn Polito was born in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, and grew up in a family involved in local business and civic life. She attended Shrewsbury High School before pursuing higher education at Boston College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She later attended the New England School of Law, receiving her Juris Doctor degree and subsequently passing the Massachusetts Bar Examination to become a licensed attorney. Her early professional work included practicing law and managing real estate interests within her family's enterprises in Worcester County.

Political career

Polito began her political career with election to the Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen. In 2000, she was elected as a Republican to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the 11th Worcester district, succeeding Harold M. Naughton Jr.. During her decade in the Massachusetts General Court, she served on influential committees including the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets and the House Committee on Ways and Means. She was an unsuccessful candidate for Massachusetts Treasurer in 2010, losing to Democrat Steve Grossman.

Lieutenant governorship

In 2014, Polito was selected as the running mate for gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker. The Baker-Polito ticket won the election, defeating Democrats Martha Coakley and Steve Kerrigan. She was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts in January 2015 at the Massachusetts State House. During her two terms, she chaired the Community Compact Cabinet and the Seaport Economic Council, focusing on municipal partnerships and coastal infrastructure. She played a key role in the administration's response to the opioid crisis and helped lead initiatives like the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council. Alongside Charlie Baker, she chose not to seek re-election in 2022.

Post-political career

Following her service in the Baker-Polito administration, Polito returned to the private sector. She joined the Boston-based law firm Bulkley Richardson as a senior advisor, focusing on government strategies and community development. She also serves on several corporate and nonprofit boards, including those related to economic development in Greater Boston. She remains active in civic organizations and frequently speaks on issues of local government and public-private partnerships.

Personal life

Polito is married to Stephan Rodolakis, an engineer, and they have two children. The family resides in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. She is a lifelong resident of Worcester County and is actively involved in local community organizations, including those supporting Shrewsbury Public Schools and regional charitable foundations. Her family has deep roots in the central Massachusetts business community.

Category:1966 births Category:Lieutenant Governors of Massachusetts Category:Massachusetts Republicans Category:People from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts Category:Boston College alumni Category:New England School of Law alumni