Biography
Lori Jean Otter became First Lady when her husband Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter took office in 2007. Born in Pensacola, Florida, Lori grew up in a military family as the youngest child, with three older brothers. Her family moved to Idaho in the 70’s when her father retired from the Navy. It didn’t take long for Miss Lori to adapt. She developed an affinity for the outdoors, animals and athletics.
After graduating from Kimberly High School, Lori earned an A.A. from the College of Southern Idaho, in Twin Falls and completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Boise State University, in Education and Physical Education, with minors in Health and English. As an educator, Lori spent 12 years as a teacher and coach in Arizona and Idaho at the middle and high school levels. After earning a Master’s degree in 2004 from Northwest Nazarene University in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in Educational Leadership, Lori spent two years as a school administrator.
The First Lady serves on countless boards and lends her name to several other charities. She was instrumental in creating the Idaho Meth Project.
Combining her love of Idaho and passion for education and literacy, the First Lady has written three children’s books, including “Little Clyde – Horsing Around in Sun Valley”; and two history books, “Ida Visits the Capitol” and “Ida Tours the 44: A Book of Idaho Counties”. Ida Jones is a young barnstorming pilot who seeks adventure and teaches Idaho history to 4th graders as she flies her airplane through the State.
In her free time, you will find our First Lady spoiling her six beautiful grandchildren, riding her horse, playing tennis or using a paintbrush to apply her newly acquired watercolor painting skills.
