United States 
Itzhak Perlman Headlines Great Neck Park District’s Summer Concert Series
12 hours ago
Ann Richards was an American politician who served as the 45th Governor of Texas, known for her sharp wit and dedication to public service including education and criminal justice reform.
Richards served as a senior advisor at this Washington law firm from 1995 to 2001.
Richards was a senior advisor to this consulting firm in Austin and New York, helping companies with public agendas, starting in 2001.
Richards served on the board of directors for J.C. Penney Company, Inc.
Richards served on the board of directors for Grupo Modelo.
Richards served on the board of directors for Car Wash Trust.
Richards appeared in a series of humorous television commercials for Doritos snack food, discussing "sweeping changes" after her gubernatorial defeat.
Ann Richards, born Dorothy Ann Willis on September 1, 1933, in Lakeview, Texas, embarked on a distinguished career in public service after earning a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and a teaching certificate from the University of Texas at Austin. Her early professional life included teaching social studies and history at Fulmore Junior High School in Austin from 1955 to 1956. Richards became involved in politics, campaigning for liberal and progressive candidates in Texas. Her political journey gained significant momentum when she was elected Travis County commissioner in 1976, a position she held for two terms, demonstrating her initial foray into elected office and community leadership.
Richards achieved statewide recognition in 1982 when she became the first woman in fifty years to be elected to a statewide office in Texas, serving as State Treasurer. She was re-elected without opposition in 1986. During her tenure, Richards focused on maximizing returns on Texas state investments. A pivotal moment in her career was her keynote address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention, where her critical remarks about the Reagan Administration and then-Vice President George H. W. Bush garnered national attention and solidified her reputation as a powerful orator with a distinct Texas accent and a sharp wit. This speech propelled her into the national political spotlight.
In 1990, Ann Richards made history by winning the Texas gubernatorial election, becoming the second female governor of Texas. As governor from 1991 to 1995, she implemented significant reforms, including overhauling the Texas prison system with a focus on substance abuse programs for inmates, reducing violent offender releases, and increasing prison capacity. She also championed the Texas Lottery to supplement school finances and initiated the “Robin Hood plan” to promote equitable school funding. Her administration was notable for appointing a record number of women and minorities to high-level positions, reflecting her commitment to diversity and inclusion in government. After her governorship, she continued to be active in public life, including serving as a senior advisor for Public Strategies, Inc. and Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson and Hand, and teaching at Brandeis University and the University of Texas at Austin.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
