Background

• Cindy Lou Hensley was born on May 20, 1954 in Phoenix, Arizona.
• Graduated from Central High School in Phoenix in 1972.
• Graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.A. in education and an M.A. in special education.
• Upon graduation, worked as a special education teacher at Agua Fria High School in Avondale, Arizona.

Professional Positions

• 1998: Founded the American Voluntary Medical Team (AVMT). From 1998 through 1995, the nonprofit sent medical personnel to provide emergency medical care to disaster-struck or war-torn areas around the world. McCain led 55 AVMT missions.
• 1995: Founded the Hensley Family Foundation, which donates money to children's programs in Arizona and nationally.
• 2000: Became chair of the now $300-million-a-year Hensley & Co. upon her father's death.
• 2001: Became active with Operation Smile, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to repair cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities for children. She sits on the board of directors.
• 2005: Joined the board of directors of CARE, which works to fight global poverty.
• Sits on the board of the HALO Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to landmine removal and weapons destruction.

Accomplishments

• 2005: Honored by Operation Smile

Criticism

• Became addicted to opioid painkillers after two spinal surgeries. She began to steal medication from AVMT, which prompted a federal investigation and a legal battle with the AVMT employee who discovered her wrongdoings.

Additional Information

Biography Links

• JohnMcCain.com: About Cindy McCain
• Wikipedia: Cindy Hensley McCain