Ann Richards

1985 Inductee
Public Service
(1933-2006)

Ann Willis Richards of Austin, Texas, proudly served the State of Texas as a County Commissioner, State Treasurer and as the State of Texas’ 45th governor.

Richards served on several corporate boards including J.C. Penney Company, Inc., Grupo Modelo and Car Wash Trust. Additionally, she continued her public service through membership on numerous boards of philanthropic, educational and public interest organizations including: the Aspen Institute Board of Trustees, Brandeis University Board of Trustees, and the Foundation for Women’s Resources Board of Directors. The Governor’s Commission for Women honored Richards in 1984 for her “exceptional contributions to the selection, development and promotion of women in state government.”

Richards also served the nation as a member of several task forces and advisory groups including President Carter’s Women’s Commission and as the leader of the U.S. delegation to the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in 1995.

She was a senior advisor at Public Strategies, Inc., an Austin-based consulting firm that helps companies analyze, develop and implement their public agendas. She also maintained a busy national and international speaking schedule.