Right Hand Woman

Marjorie Osterlund Rendell became the 43rd First Lady of Pennsylvania when her husband Edward G. Rendell was sworn in as Governor on January 21, 2003. However, she also became the first third circuit federal judge in the country’s history to serve as a First Lady. P. Sue Perrotty ’75, named Judge Rendell’s chief of staff, is helping her balance the two roles.

Perrotty, who spent 27 years in the banking industry and was the highest ranking female executive at Wachovia Corp. prior to retiring in January 2002, says her job is to help the First Lady figure out how to be a full-time working judge and the First Lady of Pennsylvania at the same time.

On the surface it may not seem like a difficult task, but with a very strict Code of Ethics that states that judges cannot be fundraisers, serve as honorary chairs to raise funds or be advocates for specific issues, all of which are what typical First Ladies do, Perrotty’s job is often a challenge. That challenge is what intrigued her most about the job opportunity.

"The job of First Lady has to be done differently now. We’ve had to define the boundaries. What does the First Lady do and what does the judge do. I literally have to separate her into two people, and the judge always takes precedence."

Historically, says Perrotty, the First Lady has been chair of the Breast Cancer Walks to raise money for breast cancer research. "Even though she (Rendell) lost a friend to breast cancer and has a sister who is a breast cancer survivor, she can’t serve as the honorary chair." These are the types of challenges Perrotty was hired to help overcome. So, she says, "We put together a proposal to make sure that it gets appropriate attention and support and the right person is found to serve as honorary chair."

Another early challenge for Perrotty was devising a gift policy. "People love to give gifts when they come to the Governor’s residence, but judges aren’t allowed to accept gifts," she says. A new policy states that the Governor and First Lady will not accept any gifts. Gifts that are brought to the residence will be donated to the state museum or another appropriate state agency.

Looking at opportunities that don’t conflict with Rendell’s role as judge, but that support the state of Pennsylvania, Perrotty says Rendell’s agenda, which Perrotty is helping to put in place, will focus on the important role the state of Pennsylvania played in the evolution of the country’s history. Rendell will become an advocate for the education of Pennsylvania’s history both within the state and to the rest of the country. "Everyone knows about the Liberty Bell," Perrotty says, "but what about the coal miners, Gettysburg in the Civil War, Valley Forge in the Revolution…" Currently, school curricula doesn’t support Pennsylvania history well, she says.

"I’ve been so blessed in my life with so many great things. I just wanted to do something where I could give back."

In addition to administering the day-to-day details of the Governor’s residence such as planning cultural events, official state dinners and business meetings, Perrotty also handles Rendell’s press needs. Because of her role as judge, Rendell was never able to campaign for her husband, so many people don’t really know her, says Perrotty.

"Introducing her has been great fun," she says. In May, Perrotty will accompany Rendell on a tour of the state.

"She’ll go to seven or eight regions and spend a few days getting to know the communities," says Perrotty.

Meeting with education and business leaders, as well as community volunteers, Perrotty says the trip will allow the First Lady to learn more about the state’s historic treasures and give the people of Pennsylvania an opportunity to really get to know her.

Perrotty’s career change has not only fulfilled her goal of doing something different in which she could give back, but it has allowed her more time for the things she loves… spending time with her 8-year-old son, Nicholas and volunteering for Albright. Her newest role is serving as chair of a capital campaign approved by the Albright trustees in October. The campaign’s goal will be to strengthen Albright’s endowment and construct a new Science Center.

"I’ve been so blessed in my life with so many great things. I just wanted to do something where I could give back."

-- Jennifer Post Stoudt