Biography
Stacey Elizabeth Plaskett, born on May 13, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American politician and attorney serving as the Delegate to the United States House of Representatives from the U.S. Virgin Islands' at-large congressional district. Raised in the Bushwick housing projects, she frequently visited Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, during her childhood, fostering a deep connection to the island's culture. Plaskett is married to Jonathan Buckney-Small, a community activist and former professional tennis player, and they have five children.
Education
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Choate Rosemary Hall: Attended as a boarding student, where she was a varsity athlete and served as class president.
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Georgetown University: Earned a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service in 1988.
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American University Washington College of Law: Obtained her Juris Doctor in 1994, attending law school at night while working full-time.
Political Experience
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Assistant District Attorney: Served in the Bronx, New York, from 1994 to 1997, prosecuting numerous cases, including those in the Narcotics Bureau.
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Department of Justice: Appointed as Senior Counsel under Deputy Attorneys General Larry Thompson and James Comey, focusing on initiatives to increase diversity within the department.
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General Counsel: Worked for the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority from 2007 to 2014, overseeing economic development initiatives.
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Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives: Elected in 2014, representing the U.S. Virgin Islands' at-large district.
Notable Achievements
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Impeachment Manager: In 2021, appointed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi as one of the nine impeachment managers for the second impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, becoming the first non-voting House member to serve in this role.
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Committee Assignments:
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House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: First member from a U.S. territory to serve on this committee.
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House Committee on Ways and Means: First member from a U.S. territory and the fourth African American woman to serve on this committee.
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Caucus Memberships:
- Co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Black Innovation.
- Member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the New Democrat Coalition.
- Co-chair of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus.
Plaskett is a staunch advocate for poverty reduction, equal voting rights, and Caribbean economic development, emphasizing public-private partnerships to stimulate growth in developing areas.
