Carole Rome was born on October 20, 1969.  She grew up in Roslyn, NY, a suburb of New York City. She is the youngest of five children. Carole attended Roslyn High School, graduating with honors in 1987. Carole attended Georgetown University where she studied business and majored in accounting. She graduated at the top of her class in May of 1991 with a BS in Business Administration and the high honor of Magna Cum Laude.  As an accounting major with a strong interest in the financial markets, Carole was recruited by Arthur Anderson in New York City to work as an auditor in the financial services division. She went on to obtain her real estate brokerage license in New York and joined The Corcoran Group, one of the top firms in the city.

    Carole later joined Franco American Novelty Company L.L.C. which is a wholesale distributor specializing in the design and manufacture of Halloween costumes and accessories.  Franco is a third generation family business established in 1910 by Carole’s grandfather, Sam Oumano. As a leader in the industry, Franco is the oldest American Halloween company and distributes product all over the world.

     Carole’s father, Bob, joined Sam at Franco after finishing college and serving in the army during World War II. Bob worked very closely with his father until Sam passed away in 1977, when Bob became president. Bob worked hard through the years, but suffered from a heart condition which made it difficult to handle the growing business. Bob called upon his daughter, Carole, to join Franco and help run the business. Carole relished this opportunity, not only because she was so devoted to her father, but also because she could learn so much about running a business. Recognizing her strong business acumen and integrity, Bob entrusted Carole with managing the day to day operations of Franco.  Carole’s drive and determination resulted in record sales and profits for the company.  She went on to become president in 2000, after the death of her father.

     Michele Oumano, Carole’s sister and Vice President, has taken over the management of Franco. Carole continues to participate in the family business as a consultant.

     In 2006, Carole relocated on a full time basis to Florida with her two daughters.  She recently became engaged to Florida Governor Charlie Crist.  The couple plan to wed on December 12, 2008 in the Governor’s hometown of St. Petersburg Florida.  As Florida’s First Lady, Carole intends to focus on issues of importance to Florida and continue to do her important philanthropic work.

     A charity Carole supports March of Dimes and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  Carole and her fiancé will be hosting this year’s 14th Annual InterContinental Make-A-Wish Ball on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at the InterContinental Miami Hotel. A charity close to her heart is “ARTrageous” which benefits foster children in New York City via the Edwin Gould Services for Children.