By: Randy Evans
In Georgia, there are women, indeed many women, who have systematically made their mark without much fanfare but with quite dramatic results. Each competed in often unfriendly environs, excelled on their merit, and at times overcame undoubted gender bias inherent in the areas in which they competed.
Notwithstanding the challenges, they rose through the ranks and reached important and influential positions of power and leadership while very few took notice. They are notable not just for their accomplishments, but also for how they achieved them — relying on their merit and talent, continuously outperforming others who stood in their way. For proof that it can be done, here are just a few who did it.
Louise M. Wells is the managing partner of one of the country’s leading law firms — Morris, Manning & Martin LLP. When Wells worked her way up the ranks, the legal profession was still heavily male-dominated. Indeed, she was the first female attorney at Morris, Manning & Martin; the first female partner; and now the first female managing partner of the firm. In the highly competitive legal world, success does not come by accident. She has earned the confidence of some of the country’s largest lenders, developers and builders. Now, when she speaks, people listen.
Jan Jones is the speaker pro tempore of the Georgia House of Representatives. In terms of pure political power, she is second only to the Speaker in the Georgia House. First elected to office in 2003 to represent a part of north Fulton County, she distinguished herself early under the Gold Dome at a time when Georgia politics was still under the heavy influence of men sitting around in smoke-filled back rooms cutting deals. Yet, she worked hard and it paid off. Sometimes merit wins out. Jones proves the point. She made history when she was elected as the first female speaker pro tem in the Georgia House of Representatives. Now, when she speaks, people listen.
Lisa Branch, a judge on the Georgia Court of Appeals, was appointed to the court by Gov. Nathan Deal on Sept. 4, 2012. From 2004 until 2008, she served as a senior official in President George W. Bush’s administration. During her tenure, she served first as the Associate General Counsel for Rules and Legislation at the U. S. Department of Homeland Security. Then she served as the Counselor to the Administrator for the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the United States Office of Management and Budget. By all accounts, attorneys and judges now fully appreciate her intellect and skills. With each published opinion, Georgians can also appreciate her exceptional work. Now, when she speaks, people listen.
Ashley Wright, the district attorney for the three-county Augusta Judicial Circuit, has served in that role since 2008. One tough, no-nonsense prosecutor, she has prosecuted over 80 felony jury trials, including a number of death penalty cases — the most infamous and heinous of which was serial killer and rapist Reinaldo Rivera. One of the last places a criminal wants to be caught and prosecuted is in the Augusta Judicial Circuit and Wright is the reason why. Being a female in the world of law enforcement is no easy task. But Wright has proven it can be done and done well. In fact, she serves as the vice president for the District Attorneys’ Association of Georgia. Now, when she speaks, people listen.
Sally Quillian Yates is the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, the first woman to serve in that position. Since her Senate confirmation and appointment by President Barack Obama on March 10, 2010, she has been the leading prosecutor of federal crimes in Atlanta and North Georgia. The Northern District encompasses close to 6 million residents and has a staff of approximately 95 lawyers and 80 support personnel. Before becoming the U.S. Attorney, she was a prosecutor for more than 22 years. She took the lead in the trial of Centennial Olympic Park bomber Eric Rudolph. Having previously served as the chief of the Fraud and Public Corruption Section, she has demonstrated her commitment toward eliminating fraud and corruption among public officials. Since becoming the U.S. Attorney, she has continued to fulfill that commitment. When she speaks, people listen.
Five different women in five different but extremely important and powerful jobs in Georgia. Few Georgians know them. Yet, all Georgians should take notice of them. They represent something important about Georgia. Each achieved her own success through perseverance, talent and merit. They are the proof that amazing things can happen without a lot of fanfare. These women just get the job done and Georgia has truly benefited as a result. And, when they speak, people listen.