Draft:Linda Rabbitt

Linda Rabbitt is the founder and chairperson of rand* construction corporation, one of the largest general contractors in the Washington metropolitan area.

Early life and education
Rabbitt was born in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Grosse Pointe Woods and Bloomfield Hills. Her father immigrated to the United States from Germany and worked in the automotive industry. Her mother was one of 10 children and the daughter of Italian immigrants.

In 1970, Rabbitt graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in social studies and a minor in education. In 1972, she earned a master's degree in education from the George Washington University (GWU).

Career
After graduating from GWU, Rabbitt taught history and English in Fairfax County, Virginia.

In 1981, she joined the accounting firm Peat Marwick (which in 1987 became part of KPMG) as a secretary. Later, she was promoted to marketing director.

In 1985, Rabbitt co-founded Hart Construction with Sherry Turner, a marketer at an architectural firm. Rabbitt left Hart in 1989.

In July 1989, Rabbitt co-founded rand* construction corporation with Mark Anderson, a construction manager. (The name "rand" combines portions of "Rabbitt" and "Anderson.")

As of 2024, Rabbitt serves as rand*'s chairperson and is the company's majority shareholder. She has been cited as one of the only female CEOs in the construction industry in Greater Washington, while rand* has been cited as the region's largest woman-owned construction contractor.

Affiliations
In 2009, Rabbitt joined the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. From 2010-2012, she served as deputy chair. From 2013-2014, she served as chair.

As of 2024, Rabbitt serves as a trustee emeritus of the George Washington University and on the board of directors of Children's National Medical Center.

Rabbitt has also been active in local business organizations. She's served on the boards of what, according to The Washington Post, are "generally regarded as the area's two most influential business groups": the Federal City Council and the Greater Washington Board of Trade. She chaired the Council from 2010-2012 and the Trade Board in 2002.

Personal life
Rabbitt was married in 1975, and later had two daughters. The marriage ended in divorce in 1980.

In 1990, she married John “Jake” Whalen. They live in Bethesda, Maryland.