June Baranco (often referred to as Juanita June Baranco) is an accomplished American businesswoman and attorney who is famously known as the first wife of the veteran television journalist and host, Bryant Gumbel. While her marriage to the high-profile media personality brought her into the national spotlight, Baranco has a formidable legacy of her own as a pioneer in the automotive industry and a dedicated public servant. Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Louisiana, she broke numerous barriers as an African American woman in both the legal and corporate sectors.
The couple married in 1973, during the early years of Bryant Gumbel’s career, and remained together for over 25 years. Throughout their marriage, June was a steady presence by his side as he rose to fame on NBC’s Today show. Beyond her role in a high-profile marriage, she co-founded the Baranco Automotive Group with her brother-in-law (and husband Gregory Baranco in later years), which became one of the first and most successful African American-owned car dealerships in the United States. Despite the challenges of maintaining a private life in the public eye, she focused heavily on her children and her professional pursuits. The couple eventually divorced in 2001, but June Baranco remains a respected figure for her contributions to business and her role in one of television’s most recognized families.
June Baranco Profile:
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Juanita June Powell Baranco |
| Date of Birth | March 19, 1949 |
| Age | 76 years |
| Place of Birth | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Attorney, Corporate Executive, Businesswoman |
| Years Active | 1970s–Present |
| Education | Louisiana State University (BS and JD) |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Divorced (from Bryant Gumbel) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 Million – $5 Million |
Family Members
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Bryant Gumbel (Ex-Husband): A renowned television journalist and sportscaster, famous for his long tenure on The Today Show.
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Bradley Christopher Gumbel (Son): The eldest child of June and Bryant, who has largely remained out of the public eye.
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Jillian Beth Gumbel (Daughter): Their daughter, who is known for her work in the fitness and wellness industry.
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Gregory Baranco (Husband/Partner): A prominent businessman and co-founder of the Baranco Automotive Group.
Legal and Business Career
June Baranco’s professional journey is a testament to resilience and excellence. After earning her Juris Doctorate from Louisiana State University, she began a successful career in law, eventually serving as the Assistant Attorney General for the State of Georgia. Her transition into the business world was equally impactful. In 1978, she co-founded the Baranco Automotive Group in Atlanta. At a time when women and minorities faced significant hurdles in the automotive sector, she helped build a multi-dealership empire that included prestigious brands like Mercedes-Benz and Acura. Her leadership helped the company survive economic recessions, solidifying her status as a titan of industry.
Marriage and Family Life
June married Bryant Gumbel in 1973, and for many years, they were considered one of the most successful “power couples” in the media world. Together, they raised two children, Bradley and Jillian, in their home in Westchester County, New York. As Bryant’s career demanded long hours and constant travel, June managed the family’s domestic life while simultaneously overseeing her business ventures in Georgia. The marriage faced public scrutiny over the years, particularly regarding the pressures of Bryant’s high-profile career, leading to their separation in the late 1990s and final divorce in 2001.
Leadership in Education
Beyond her business acumen, Baranco has been a staunch advocate for education and civil rights in Georgia. She served on the Georgia State Board of Education for several years and was appointed by Governor Zell Miller to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. In 1995, she made history as the first African American woman to chair the Board of Regents. In this role, she was a vocal opponent of efforts to dismantle affirmative action programs, arguing that diversity was essential for the growth and success of the state’s higher education system.
Awards and Recognition
June Baranco’s contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. She has been featured multiple times in Georgia Trend magazine’s list of the “100 Most Influential Georgians” and was named a “Georgia Trustee” by the Georgia Historical Society in 2021—the state’s highest honor. Her entrepreneurial success earned her the Trumpet Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence and the DECCA Award. These accolades highlight her dual impact as both a ground-breaking businesswoman and a dedicated public servant who helped shape the legal and educational landscape of the American South.
FAQs
1. When did June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel get divorced?
The couple officially divorced in 2001 after 28 years of marriage and a multi-year separation.
2. What is June Baranco’s role in the Baranco Automotive Group?
She is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, having co-founded the business in 1978.
3. Does June Baranco have children?
Yes, she has two children with Bryant Gumbel: a son named Bradley and a daughter named Jillian.
4. Where did June Baranco go to school?
She attended Louisiana State University for both her undergraduate degree and her law degree.
Conclusion
June Baranco is far more than just a footnote in a famous journalist’s biography. She is a self-made leader who navigated the complexities of the legal system, the automotive industry, and public service with grace and determination. While her marriage to Bryant Gumbel brought her public recognition, her legacy is defined by her pioneering work in Atlanta’s business community and her historical role in Georgia’s educational leadership. She remains a symbol of professional excellence and personal strength.
