New Jersey Governor Chris Christie spoke for the first time Thursday afternoon about allegations that his administration may have caused massive traffic jams on the George Washington Bridge as an act of political revenge.
He also announced that he fired Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Anne Kelly, the staff member accused of orchestrating the lane closures on the busy bridge connecting New Jersey and New York in September of 2013.
Kelly, Christie claims, lied to him when he asked if his office had anything to do with the closures.
But who is the woman behind the scandal?
Kelly, a New Jersey native and graduate of Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland, was named Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs by Christie in April of last year.
Before assuming that role, she served as the Director of Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs. As the director, Kelly oversaw day-to-day operations of the Christie Administration's outreach efforts, according to NJ.gov.
She's been with the Adminstration since 2010, when she was named the Director of Legislative Relations.
Her career in state government began with her service to Assemlyman David C. Russo. In 2002, she was named his Chief of Staff.
Kelly lives in Ramsey with her four children. She has also served on the Parent Board at her children's school, according to NJ.gov.
Kelly's bio has already been removed from the goverment website.
