Virginia Bauer

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Virginia Bauer is an advocate for families of the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks and a government leader in New Jersey. She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism Commission.

Her husband, David, was a bond trader for Cantor Fitzgerald and was killed in the collapse of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. Bauer, the mother of three, became an advocate for Sept. 11 families, working to secure tax relief and other benefits from the federal government. Her advocacy work brought her into contact with New Jersey political leaders.

A former financial analyst for Merrill Lynch, Bauer was appointed New Jersey Lottery Director in 2003 by former Gov. James McGreevey. In the summer of 2003, McGreevey appointed her as Commerce Secretary, a position she retained in the cabinet of former Gov. Richard Codey. On January 16, 2006, Governor of New Jersey Jon Corzine announced his intention to retain Bauer in his cabinet.