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The Second Chapter: Everything To Know About Sheryl Sandberg's Husband, Tom Bernthal

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The narrative surrounding Sheryl Sandberg’s personal life has always been one of immense success shadowed by profound loss, but as of late December 2025, her story has firmly entered a new, inspiring chapter. The former Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) Chief Operating Officer and Lean In author is currently married to Tom Bernthal, an accomplished American media executive, entrepreneur, and strategic consultant. Their relationship marks a powerful story of finding a "second chance at love" and building a resilient blended family after the tragic and sudden death of her first husband, Dave Goldberg. This article provides the most current and in-depth look at the man who became her partner in life's 'Option B' and their joint ventures, including their new venture capital firm.

The marriage to Tom Bernthal, which took place in August 2022, solidified a partnership rooted in shared values, including a commitment to philanthropy and navigating the complexities of a blended family. Bernthal, known for his work as the founder of the strategic insights firm Kelton Global, brings a wealth of experience from media, government, and business, complementing Sandberg's celebrated career in Silicon Valley and global business leadership. Their union is a testament to the core themes of her work on grief and resilience, demonstrating that rebuilding joy is possible even after the deepest sorrow.

Sheryl Sandberg's Complete Biography and Relationship Timeline

Sheryl Sandberg is one of the most recognizable and influential figures in modern business, known for her groundbreaking tenure at Meta and her best-selling book, Lean In. Her personal life, particularly her marriages, has been a significant part of her public narrative, highlighting themes of professional ambition, partnership, and profound grief.

  • Full Name: Sheryl Kara Sandberg
  • Born: August 28, 1969 (Age 56 as of 2025)
  • Education: Harvard University (B.A. in Economics), Harvard Business School (M.B.A.)
  • Key Professional Roles: Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook, 2008–2022), Vice President of Global Online Sales and Operations at Google, Chief of Staff to the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (Lawrence Summers).
  • First Marriage (1993): Married a man named Aaron, which lasted about a year.
  • Second Husband (2004–2015): Dave Goldberg
    • Dave Goldberg's Role: CEO of SurveyMonkey, successful entrepreneur.
    • Children: Two children (a son and a daughter).
    • Tragic Death: Dave Goldberg died suddenly on May 1, 2015, at the age of 47, while on vacation in Mexico. His death was ruled to be from head trauma and blood loss after falling off a treadmill at a gym.
    • Legacy: His death was the catalyst for Sandberg's second book, Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy, co-authored with Adam Grant.
  • Current Husband (2022–Present): Tom Bernthal
    • Engagement: Announced in February 2020.
    • Wedding Date: August 20, 2022.
    • Wedding Location: Trail Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
    • Connection: Introduced by Dave Goldberg’s brother, Rob Goldberg.

Tom Bernthal: The Entrepreneur, Strategist, and Man Who Gave Her 'Option B'

Sheryl Sandberg’s current husband, Tom Bernthal, is a highly successful figure in his own right, bringing a background in media, government, and strategic consulting. He is not a typical Silicon Valley executive, which has made their partnership a fascinating blend of Washington D.C. pragmatism and tech industry disruption.

The Professional Career of Thomas Bernthal

Tom Bernthal is best known as the founder and former CEO of Kelton Global, a strategic insights and consulting agency. The firm specializes in helping global companies understand consumer behavior and chart new paths for growth. His expertise in market research and strategic communication is highly regarded across various industries.

Before his entrepreneurial success with Kelton Global, Bernthal built a distinguished career in media and public service:

  • White House Communications: Early in his career, he worked in the White House's Communication Office during the Bill Clinton administration. This experience provided a foundation in high-stakes communication and public relations.
  • NBC News Producer: Bernthal spent a significant amount of time as a producer for NBC News, where he honed his skills in journalism and media production.
  • Education: He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied journalism.
  • Family Connection: Tom Bernthal is also the brother of actor Jon Bernthal, known for roles in *The Walking Dead* and *The Punisher*.

Bernthal's career trajectory—from Washington insider to journalist to market research titan—demonstrates a versatile and strategic mind, making him a compelling partner for a global leader like Sheryl Sandberg.

Navigating Grief, Resilience, and a New Blended Family

The relationship between Sheryl Sandberg and Tom Bernthal is remarkable because it was born out of shared experience and a deep understanding of loss. Both had been previously married and were raising children from those marriages, creating a complex but loving "blended family."

A Connection Forged Through Shared Loss: The couple was introduced in 2019 by Rob Goldberg, the brother of Sheryl's late husband, Dave Goldberg. This unique introduction speaks volumes about the healing and acceptance that had occurred in the years following Dave's death. The fact that her late husband's family played a role in her finding a second chance at love underscores the themes of community and resilience that Sandberg explored in her book, *Option B*.

Their wedding, a Western-themed celebration in Wyoming, was a deeply personal affair that honored their journey. The wedding included all five of their children—Sandberg’s two and Bernthal’s three—as an intentional acknowledgment of their new family unit. The focus was on creating a cohesive and supportive environment for their children, a challenge that many blended families face.

The core of their relationship, according to Sandberg, is the profound luck of finding love a second time. They have publicly discussed their commitment to finding joy and building a future together while respecting the memory of their former spouses, a testament to the principles of "building resilience" she championed in her work.

Beyond Silicon Valley: Their Joint Ventures and Philanthropy

Since their marriage, Sheryl Sandberg and Tom Bernthal have not only merged their families but have also begun to merge their professional and philanthropic endeavors, signaling a powerful partnership that extends beyond their personal lives.

Sandberg Bernthal Venture Partners: In a significant development in 2024, the couple officially launched their own venture capital firm, Sandberg Bernthal Venture Partners. This new entity combines Sandberg's unparalleled experience in scaling technology companies from her time as Meta COO with Bernthal's strategic insights and consulting expertise. The firm focuses on investing in and advising companies, particularly those with a mission-driven focus.

Commitment to Philanthropy: The couple is also deeply involved in philanthropic work. They are noted donors and supporters of various causes, often focusing on issues related to women's empowerment, education, and community support. Their joint philanthropic efforts, often referenced as "Sheryl Sandberg and Tom Bernthal," highlight a shared commitment to using their influence and resources for social good, aligning with the principles of the Lean In Foundation and the Option B organization.

The launch of their joint venture capital fund and their continued work in philanthropy demonstrate that their partnership is not just a personal healing journey but a powerful business and social force. They represent a modern power couple, leveraging their diverse skill sets and global networks to invest in the future and support causes they believe in.

In conclusion, Sheryl Sandberg’s life with Tom Bernthal is a compelling illustration of resilience and the human capacity for renewal. From the tragedy of losing Dave Goldberg to the joy of her Wyoming wedding with Bernthal, her story continues to inspire millions. Their current status as a married couple, co-parents, and business partners in Sandberg Bernthal Venture Partners confirms that the second chapter of her life is as dynamic and impactful as the first, firmly rooted in a loving and supportive partnership.

sheryl sandberg husband
sheryl sandberg husband

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