Career Timeline of Linda McMahon: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Linda McMahon built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Linda McMahon is an American politician and business executive. A Republican, she served as the 25th Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019. Since 2025, she has held the position of the 13th United States Secretary of Education. Before her political career, McMahon was a prominent figure in the professional wrestling industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1969: McMahons Move to Gaithersburg, Maryland

In 1969, the McMahons relocated to Gaithersburg, Maryland. Linda McMahon then worked at a corporate law firm as a receptionist and in other legal roles.

1971: Vince McMahon Joins WWWF

From 1968 to 1971, Vince McMahon worked as a traveling cup salesman before joining his father's company, the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF).

1979: Starts Promoting Wrestling Events

In 1979, Vince McMahon started promoting wrestling events at the Cape Cod Coliseum.

1980: Founds Titan Sports, Inc.

In 1980, Linda McMahon, with her husband Vince McMahon, founded Titan Sports, Inc., which later became World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. She served as president and later CEO.

1984: Introduces Wrestling Superstars Action Figures

In 1984, Linda McMahon established the company's first line of action figures, Wrestling Superstars. It was a first in the wrestling industry and helped expand the company's popularity with children.

1986: Support for Special Olympics Begins

In 1986, the McMahons began supporting the Special Olympics.

1993: Becomes President of Titan Sports, Inc.

In 1993, Linda McMahon became the president of Titan Sports, Inc.

1995: Appointment to Governor's Council for World Special Olympics

In 1995, Connecticut Governor Lowell Weicker appointed Linda McMahon to the Governor's Council for the World Special Olympics.

1997: Becomes CEO of Titan Sports, Inc.

In 1997, Linda McMahon became the CEO of Titan Sports, Inc.

May 3, 1999: WWF TV Debut

On May 3, 1999, Linda McMahon debuted on WWF TV during the Corporate Ministry storyline, on the episode of Raw during the Attitude Era.

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August 2000: Initiation of "SmackDown! Your Vote" Campaign

In August 2000, Linda McMahon initiated WWE's non-partisan voter registration campaign, "SmackDown! Your Vote", targeting the 18-to-30 voter demographic.

2000: Get R.E.A.L. Program

In 2000, Linda McMahon launched WWE's Get R.E.A.L. program to promote education among young adults, including public service announcements and posters.

2000: Negotiates TV Deal with Viacom

In 2000, Linda McMahon was the primary negotiator for the World Wrestling Federation's TV deal with Viacom.

November 2004: Member of Board of Trustees

In November 2004, Linda McMahon became a member of the board of trustees of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

2005: Appointment to The Make-A-Wish Foundation

In 2005, Linda McMahon won appointment to The Make-A-Wish Foundation of America National Advisory Council.

2006: Donation for Tennis Facility Construction

In 2006, the McMahons paid $2.5 million for the construction of a tennis facility in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania.

2006: Posters Distributed to Libraries and Reading Facilities

Since 2006, thousands of posters featuring WWE superstars have been distributed to libraries and reading facilities as part of the Get R.E.A.L. program.

2007: Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award

In 2007, WWE received the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award for its support of deployed service members.

2007: Donation to the Donald J. Trump Foundation

In 2007, the McMahons, through WWE, donated $4 million to the Donald J. Trump Foundation.

July 2008: WWE Changes TV Rating to TV-PG

In July 2008, WWE changed its TV parental guidelines rating from TV-14 to TV-PG.

December 2008: Describes TV-PG Rating as Marketing Strategy

In December 2008, at a UBS Media Conference, Linda McMahon described the WWE's new TV-PG rating as a marketing strategy to attract younger fans and build brand loyalty, resulting in banning actions such as chair shots to the head and reducing explicit content.

2008: "Smackdown Your Vote!" Campaign

As of the 2008 election, WWE's "Smackdown your Vote!" listed 14 voter registration partner organizations. During the 2008 presidential election, it registered many voters online, often in affiliation with Rock the Vote.

2008: GI Film Festival's Corporate Patriot Award

In 2008, WWE received the GI Film Festival's Corporate Patriot Award under Linda McMahon's leadership.

2008: Donations to Educational Institutions

In 2008, the McMahons donated over $8 million to Fishburne Military School, Sacred Heart University, and East Carolina University.

September 16, 2009: Resigns from WWE to Run for Senate

On September 16, 2009, Linda McMahon resigned from her position as CEO of WWE to run as a Republican for a seat in the United States Senate from Connecticut.

2009: Leaves WWE to Run for Senate

In 2009, Linda McMahon left World Wrestling Entertainment to run as a Republican for a seat in the United States Senate from Connecticut.

2009: Additional Donation to the Donald J. Trump Foundation

In 2009, the McMahons, through WWE, donated an additional $5 million to the Donald J. Trump Foundation.

2010: Serves on Board of Close Up Foundation

As of 2010, Linda McMahon served on the board of the Close Up Foundation, a nonprofit that offers youth field trips to Washington, D.C.

2010: Loses Senate Election

In 2010, Linda McMahon lost the general election for a seat in the United States Senate to Democrat Richard Blumenthal.

2012: Loses Second Senate Election

In 2012, Linda McMahon, as the Republican nominee, lost the election for Connecticut's other Senate seat to Democrat Chris Murphy.

December 7, 2016: Nominated as Administrator of the Small Business Administration

On December 7, 2016, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Linda McMahon to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration.

February 14, 2017: Confirmed as Administrator of the Small Business Administration

On February 14, 2017, Linda McMahon was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration.

2017: Administrator of the Small Business Administration

In 2017, Linda McMahon became the 25th administrator of the Small Business Administration.

March 29, 2019: Announcement of Resignation as SBA Administrator

On March 29, 2019, it was announced that Linda McMahon would step down as the administrator of the SBA in April.

2019: Leaves the Small Business Administration

In 2019, Linda McMahon concluded her tenure as the administrator of the Small Business Administration.

2021: Founding Chairwoman of America First Policy Institute

In 2021, Linda McMahon became the founding chairwoman of the America First Policy Institute.

November 19, 2024: Nominated as U.S. Secretary of Education

On November 19, 2024, Linda McMahon was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as U.S. Secretary of Education.

January 20, 2025: Nomination Received in U.S. Senate

On January 20, 2025, Linda McMahon's nomination was received in the U.S. Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP).