More than a Walk on the Beach: Confessions of an Unlikely Diplomat
Mary E. Kramer served in the Iowa Senate and was elected the President of the Senate in 1997. In 2003 President George W. Bush nominated her to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.    She began her career as a pianist, and worked as a teacher and school administrator. Later, she moved into the corporate world and held administrative positions with Younkers, Inc. and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.    Ambassador Kramer is considered an expert on civil discourse and business relationships and is highly sought after speaker and facilitator. She has served on many boards including: Board of Directors for the State Legislative Leaders Foundation, Senate President's Forum, Des Moines Club, Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Central Iowa, Brenton Bank and Mercy Hospital. As a lifetime member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), she received the Society's highest national award -- an induction into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame in 2009.    Ambassador Kramer is married to Kay Kramer and is the mother of two children Kent and Krista Kramer Hartman. She is the grandmother of four, Kelsey, Kallen, Karsen and Kennedy.