Marlene Johnson presents Rise to the Challenge w Margaret Anderson Kelliher

The inspiring life story of Minnesota’s first woman lieutenant governor: breaking political ground, navigating patriarchal tradition, and persevering through great personal loss

Marking a milestone for women in state government, Marlene M. Johnson became Minnesota’s first woman lieutenant governor under Rudy Perpich’s gubernatorial administration in January 1983. That same year, she met her husband, Peter, and their deeply loving relationship profoundly sustained her for twenty-seven years. Rise to the Challenge weaves these personal and professional stories together in a courageous portrait of dedication and leadership.

Growing up in rural Minnesota, Johnson began organizing and advocating for change early, beginning with a campaign to introduce foreign languages into her high school curriculum. Pursuing a deeply felt commitment to improving the lives of others, she continued to sharpen her leadership skills throughout her life, participating in activist work in college, cofounding organizations to support women entrepreneurs and politicians, and eventually running an international education nonprofit.

A stalwart supporter, her husband gave Marlene strength and encouragement to face the challenges of the political landscape and its gender biases. Then, in 2010, he suffered a traumatic brain injury that would change both of their lives. Learning how to be a medical advocate and, eventually, facing the sorrow of Peter’s death, Marlene relied on the hard-fought resilience and belief in herself that Peter had helped her to develop.

A story of learning and leadership in politics, business, and public service, Rise to the Challenge is a moving portrayal of spirit, perseverance, and grace in the face of daunting personal challenges, supported by unwavering faith in the public good.

Marlene M. Johnson was Minnesota’s first woman lieutenant governor, serving in Governor Rudy Perpich’s administration from 1983 until 1991. She is cofounder of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners and the Minnesota Women’s Campaign Fund and was executive director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators for nearly two decades. She is now on the advisory board of Kakenya’s Dream, a board member of the Washington Office on Latin America, and a trustee of The Alexandria Trust. In 1988, she was awarded the Royal Order of the Polar Star by the Kingdom of Sweden. She lives in Washington, D.C.

Margaret Anderson Kelliher, appointed by Mayor Jacob Frey and confirmed by the Minneapolis City Council in 2024, serves as the City Operations Officer for the City of Minneapolis. In this role, she oversees Civil Rights, Public Works, and seventeen departments under Internal Services, Communications and Engagement, and Development, Health and Livability.

Prior to this, she served as Commissioner of Transportation in Minnesota, focusing on safety, climate resiliency, and equity in transportation. Additionally, she led the Minnesota Technology Association, chaired Governor Dayton’s Broadband Taskforce, and established a paid internship program for small businesses and students in technology and sciences.

For twelve years she was elected to the Minnesota House of representatives, rising to the role of Speaker of the House of Minnesota.

Anderson Kelliher has a background in politics, having been Speaker of the House in Minnesota from 2007 to 2011. During her tenure, she championed renewable energy, transportation investment, and the Legacy Amendment for clean water and conservation. Raised on a family farm in southern Minnesota, she holds a Master’s Degree from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She resides in Minneapolis with her husband and enjoys outdoor activities, art, and reading in her spare time.

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