Howard, Katherine Graham, 1898-1986

Katherine G. Howard (1898-1986) was born in Guyton, Georgia, also spending childhood years in North Carolina. Howard attended private girls' schools in North Carolina; Salem Academy and Salem College, where she majored in fine arts. She completed her bachelors degree at Smith College in Massachusetts, where she majored in politics and government. In 1921 she married Charles P. Howard, an attorney, who maintained a Boston Law practice and served periodically in a variety of public service posts. In World War II, he served overseas in the U.S. Army. During his absence, Howard's interest in politics grew and resulted in a series of key positions in the Massachusetts Republican Party. After the war she became a member of the Republican National Committee and ultimately participated in Eisenhower's 1952 election campaign. During this period of increasing political involvement, she developed lasting relationships with many leading Republicans, most notably those from Massachusetts such as Everett Saltonstal and Sinclair Weeks.

Beginning with Howard's early involvement in politics and continuing throughout her service in the Eisenhower Administration, she advocated a larger role for women in politics and government. In 1953, Howard began her public service career in the Eisenhower administration, which included positions with the Federal Civil Defense Administration and the Brussels Worlds Fair Commission.