News

Former rep suffers medical emergency

by Rebecca Shabad - 08/11/15 2:32 PM ET

Former Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.) experienced a “medical emergency” while traveling with her family, according to a spokeswoman for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

“Jo Ann experienced a medical emergency while on travel with her family. She is in stable condition, and we are determined to respect her privacy during this time,” Debbie Wing said in a statement to The Hill.

{mosads}Wing declined to provide additional details about the medical emergency and where it took place.

“We appreciate the outpouring of support and prayers from her former colleagues in Congress, her many friends, and the members and employees of the electric cooperative community,” Wing added.

Emerson, 64, has served since 2013 as CEO of the NRECA, a national organization representing hundreds of not-for-profit rural electric cooperatives in the United States.

Emerson served in Congress from 1996 until early 2013. She served as chairwoman of the House Appropriations subcommittee on financial services and general government.

She was married to the late Rep. Bill Emerson (R-Mo.), with whom she had several children. He died of cancer in 1996, and she won an election to succeed him in the House. She later married Ron Gladney.

Before serving in Congress, Jo Ann Emerson served as senior vice president of public affairs for the American Insurance Association, director of state relations and grassroots programs at the National Restaurant Association, and deputy communications director for the National Republican Congressional Committee, according to the NRECA.

Tags Jo Ann Emerson