Betsy DeVos (Secretary of Education)
Elisabeth “Betsy” DeVos (née Prince; born January 8, 1958) is an American businesswoman, philanthropist, and education activist from Michigan. DeVos is a prominent member of the Republican Party known for her advocacy of school choice, voucher programs, and ties to the Reformed Christian community. She was Republican National Committeewoman for Michigan from 1992 to 1997 and served as chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party from 1996 to 2000, with reelection to the post in 2003. DeVos was one of the architects of the Detroit charter school system and she is a member of the board of the Foundation for Excellence in Education. She has served as chairwoman of the board of Alliance for School Choice and heads the All Children Matter PAC. DeVos is married to Dick DeVos and is the daughter-in-law of billionaire Richard DeVos, the co-founder of Amway. Her brother, Erik Prince, a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer, is the founder of Academi, formerly Blackwater USA. DeVos is the daughter of Edgar Prince, founder of the Prince Corporation.
