President-elect Donald J. Trump announced on Sunday his intention to nominate Callista Gingrich as the next U.S. ambassador to Switzerland.
Ms. Gingrich previously served as Trump’s ambassador to the Vatican during his first term. Known for her strong advocacy of religious freedom, she is the wife of Newt Gingrich, the former House Speaker, and a steadfast ally of Mr. Trump. Speaking at the Republican National Convention this summer, Ms. Gingrich accused President Biden of undermining religious liberty and lauded Mr. Trump for appointing Supreme Court justices committed to protecting the right to worship.
In this article, we delve deeper into Callista Gingrich’s life, including insights into her measurements, career achievements, and net worth. Read on to learn more about this accomplished diplomat and public figure.
Who is Callista Gingrich?
Callista Louise Gingrich (née Bisek; born March 4, 1966) is an American businesswoman, author, documentary film producer, and former diplomat.
She served as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See from 2017 to 2021. She is married to former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and 2012 Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich.
Education
She graduated as valedictorian from Whitehall Memorial High School in 1984. A lifelong music enthusiast, Callista attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where she majored in music and graduated cum laude in 1988, becoming a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, a national music honor society.
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Personal Life
Callista Louise Gingrich married Newt Gingrich in August 2000, following his divorce from his second wife. Callista met Newt Gingrich in 1993 while he was House Minority Whip, leading to a high-profile relationship that began while Newt was still married to his second wife, Marianne.
As a devout Catholic, Callista has been a long-time member of the choir at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Her faith played a significant role in Newt Gingrich’s conversion to Catholicism in 2009.
Quick Bio
Here’s a detailed table of Callista Gingrich’s complete bio:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Callista Louise Gingrich (née Bisek) |
| Date of Birth | March 4, 1966 |
| Place of Birth | Whitehall, Wisconsin, USA |
| Age | 58 years (as of 2024) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | – Bachelor of Arts in Music, Luther College (Decorah, Iowa), graduated cum laude (1988) |
| Profession | Businesswoman, Author, Producer, Diplomat |
| Spouse | Newt Gingrich (married August 2000) |
| Children | None |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Political Affiliation | Republican |
| Notable Roles | – U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See (2017–2021) |
| – President and CEO of Gingrich Productions and Gingrich 360 | |
| Authorship | – Wrote a series of children’s books featuring “Ellis the Elephant,” focusing on American history |
| – Books include Sweet Land of Liberty, Land of the Pilgrims’ Pride, and Christmas in America | |
| Diplomatic Career | – Nominated by President Donald Trump as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See (confirmed October 2017) |
| – Served until January 20, 2021 | |
| – Presumptive nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein (as of December 2024) | |
| Business Ventures | – Co-founder of Gingrich Productions |
| – Co-produced documentaries such as Rediscovering God in America and Nine Days that Changed the World | |
| Early Career | – Intern for Congressman Steve Gunderson |
| – Staffer for the House Committee on Agriculture (1988–2007) | |
| Hobbies and Interests | – Plays the French horn |
| – Member of the choir at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. | |
| Awards and Recognition | Advocate for U.S.–Vatican relations during her diplomatic tenure |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $10 million (as of 2024) |
| Recent Activities | – Co-producing the PBS-acquired documentary Journey to America: With Newt and Callista Gingrich (2024) |
| – Active in the promotion of historical and public policy projects |
Callista Gingrich Measurements
Information on Callista Gingrich’s height and other physical measurements is relatively limited in public sources, but here’s what is generally known or estimated:
- Height: Callista Gingrich is approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall.
- Weight: There is no widely available or confirmed information on her weight, as this is typically considered private.
Other Measurements:
- Eye Color: Brown.
- Hair Color: Callista is known for her blonde hair, though she was originally a brunette. Over the years, her hair has become a signature look, often described as a “strikingly perfect bob” with a distinctive over-the-left-eye swoosh.
Career
After college, Callista moved to Washington, D.C., to intern for Republican Congressman Steve Gunderson. This internship led to a staff position where she worked until 1995, then moved to serve as the chief clerk for the House Committee on Agriculture until 2007.
- Congressional Aide: Moved to Washington, D.C., in 1988 and worked as an intern for Congressman Steve Gunderson. Later served as a staffer on the House Committee on Agriculture until 2007.
- Gingrich Productions: In 2007, she co-founded Gingrich Productions, a multimedia production and consulting company, where she serves as President and CEO. The company has produced historical and public policy documentaries, including “Rediscovering God in America” (2008) and “Nine Days that Changed the World” (2010).
- Authorship: Authored a series of children’s books featuring “Ellis the Elephant,” focusing on American history themes.
- Diplomatic Service: Nominated by President Donald Trump as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See in 2017. Confirmed by the Senate on October 16, 2017, and served until January 20, 2021.
In 2020, Pope Francis honored her with the title Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Pius IX, recognizing her contributions to the Church and society. She has also received awards for her service to society and history education.
Recent Developments:
- Nomination as Ambassador to Switzerland: As of December 22, 2024, Callista Gingrich is the presumptive nominee to serve as the United States Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, succeeding incumbent Scott Miller.
- Documentary Production: In November 2024, PBS announced the acquisition of a 90-minute documentary titled “Journey to America: With Newt and Callista Gingrich,” produced and narrated by the Gingriches. The film celebrates the achievements of nine individuals from diverse backgrounds who pursued the American dream and contributed to the fabric of the United States.
Callista Gingrich Net Worth
As of 2024, Callista Gingrich’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. Her wealth primarily comes from her career in government, her roles in business and media production, and her work as an author.
Sources of Income:
- Government Service:
- As the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See (2017–2021), she earned a government salary typical for such a high-ranking diplomatic role.
- Business Ventures:
- Co-founder and President/CEO of Gingrich Productions and Gingrich 360, which produce documentaries, books, and multimedia content on public policy and history.
- Book Sales:
- Authored a popular series of children’s books featuring “Ellis the Elephant,” focusing on American history. These books have been widely sold and well-received.
- Media Projects:
- Co-produced documentaries like Rediscovering God in America and Nine Days that Changed the World, which have contributed to her financial portfolio.
- Husband’s Contributions:
- Her husband, Newt Gingrich, a former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and author, also significantly contributes to their combined net worth.
Assets:
Callista Gingrich owns multiple properties, including homes in Virginia and Georgia.
- Gingrich 360: Currently serves as President and CEO of Gingrich 360, a multimedia production and consulting company based in Arlington, Virginia.
- Interests: Known for her love of music, Callista has sung in the professional choir at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and plays the French horn with the City of Fairfax Band in Virginia. Her charitable involvement includes leading the Gingrich Foundation, which supports various causes, including scholarships for music students at her alma mater.
Callista’s public life often intertwines with her husband’s political endeavors, from campaigning during Newt’s presidential bid in 2012 to her ambassadorial role.
Her presence in conservative circles, combined with her work in children’s literature and documentary filmmaking, paints a picture of a woman deeply committed to cultural and educational initiatives alongside her political activities. Her tenure as ambassador was not without scrutiny, often seen as a symbolic or ceremonial role, with some critics questioning the appointment’s basis in political connections rather than diplomatic experience. However, her advocates praise her for using the position to spotlight issues like religious freedom and human trafficking.
