Meet Eleni Kounalakis

Eleni Kounalakis has spent her career fighting for opportunity—as a businesswoman, diplomat, and California’s 50th Lieutenant Governor. A proud native Californian and mother of two, she is a bold, solutions-driven leader unafraid to take on the state’s toughest challenges.

Eleni’s California story began with her father, who immigrated to the United States as a refugee from Greece. At just 15, he worked in the fields and paid his way through college by waiting tables—ironically, at California’s Governor’s Mansion. One generation later, Eleni made history as the first woman elected Lieutenant Governor of California.

After earning her MBA from UC Berkeley, Eleni joined her father in building one of California’s most respected housing development firms, AKT Development. As president, she led the company through its largest period of growth, spearheading the development of affordable, middle-class communities that now house over 200,000 families in the Sacramento region.

After nearly two decades in business, Eleni turned her focus to public service—driven by a deep belief that every Californian deserves the same opportunities that helped her own family succeed. In 2010, she was appointed by President Obama as U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, where she worked to advance democracy and American values abroad.

Returning to California, Eleni entered the political arena and won overwhelmingly, becoming the state’s 50th Lieutenant Governor.

Unparalleled Experience

As California’s Lieutenant Governor, Eleni Kounalakis has worked tirelessly to protect the state’s economic strength and expand opportunity for all Californians. In her roles as chair of the State Lands Commission and a voting member on the University of California Board of Regents and California State University Board of Trustees, she has helped oversee billions in public assets. Her leadership has focused on responsible investment in education, climate resilience, and infrastructure.

Before entering public service, Kounalakis spent nearly two decades helping grow her family’s real estate development firm into one of California’s most respected companies. Her deep understanding of how the economy works—both at the community and global levels—was further shaped by her service as U.S. Ambassador to Hungary under President Barack Obama. In that role, she worked to strengthen international economic partnerships and navigate complex financial diplomacy, giving her a broad and strategic perspective on global markets and fiscal policy.

Kounalakis has consistently delivered results, from advancing clean energy jobs to approving the construction of over 60,000 beds on college campuses. As a candidate for State Treasurer, she brings a proven record of fiscal stewardship, a commitment to equity, and a vision for investments that reflect California’s values. Her blend of private sector experience, diplomatic skill, and executive leadership makes her uniquely qualified to manage the state’s finances and ensure a strong, inclusive economic future.