Bev Perdue is an American politician who served as the 73rd governor of North Carolina from 2009 to 2013. She was the first woman to hold this position in the state. Before becoming governor, Perdue was the lieutenant governor of North Carolina and a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. Born on January 14, 1947, in Burlington, North Carolina, Perdue has a background in education and business. She earned a degree from East Carolina University and worked as a teacher and administrator before entering politics. Throughout her career, she focused on issues such as education, healthcare, and economic development.