Beverly Marlene Eaves Perdue, commonly known as Bev Perdue, is a former Democratic Governor of North Carolina. Born on January 14, 1947, in Grundy, Virginia, she began her career as a public school teacher in Florida and Georgia, later working as a health care consultant. Entering politics in the 1980s, she served seven terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives and Senate, followed by two terms as Lieutenant Governor from 2001 to 2009, accumulating over 25 years of public service. Perdue's most notable achievement was becoming the first woman elected Governor of North Carolina, serving from 2009 to 2013. During her governorship, she championed initiatives like the Green Business Fund to promote renewable energy, construction, and clean technologies. Post-governorship, she has been involved in business and advisory roles, including with organizations like RIDGE-LANE Limited Partners.