Sáez, Irene (1961–)

Venezuelan politician. Name variations: Irene Saez Conde. Born Irene Layling Sáez Conde, Dec 13, 1961, in Caracas, Venezuela; dau. of Carlos and Ligia Saez; m. Humberto Briceño Leon (lawyer), 1999 (div.); children: son (b. 2000).

Venezuelan governor who used her fame as beauty pageant winner to launch successful career as progressive politician; gained national attention as winner of Miss Venezuela (1981) and went on to win Miss Universe (1981) in New York City; traveled world, fulfilling duties of position, but rejected offers to model and act, opting instead for university; became envoy for Banco Consolidado (Consolidated Bank, 1989); served as Venezuela's cultural representative at UN (1989 and 1991) and as head of board of Institutional Relations and Salesian Women's Association; ran for mayor of Chacao as official candidate for 2 parties, Acción Democrática (AD) and Comité de Organización Política Electoral Independiente (COPEI), winning 96% of vote (1992); while serving as mayor (1992–98), worked to make local government more efficient and responsive to citizens, focusing on quality of life issues such as police, ambulance and sanitation services; gained national reputation for clean, effective governance, leading to presidential bid (1998) on COPEI party line; campaigned against opponent Hugo Chávez as reformist and moderate but lost popularity and ultimately the backing of COPEI during campaign; immediately after losing presidential run, launched campaign for governor of Nueve Esparta (1999) and won with 70% of vote.