Tauscher, Ellen O. (Ellen O'Kane), 1951-2019

Ellen O'Kane Tauscher (November 15, 1951 – April 29, 2019) was an American businesswoman, diplomat, and Democratic Party politician who was the U.S. Representative for California's 10th congressional district from 1997 to 2009. From 2009 to 2012, she served as the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs. She then served as Special Envoy for Strategic Stability and Missile Defense at the State Department.

Born Ellen O'Kane in Newark, New Jersey, she earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Seton Hall University in 1974 before becoming one of the first women to hold a seat on the New York Stock Exchange, beginning a 14-year Wall Street career which included serving as an American Stock Exchange officer. In 1989 she married William Tauscher and raised a daughter, Katherine. The couple later divorced. In 1992 Ellen Tauscher founded a company that screened prospective childcare providers. She later authored The Child Care Source Book. She also created the Tauscher Foundation, which donated $200,000 to elementary schools in California and Texas to buy computer equipment. In 1992 and 1994, Tauscher served as the state co-chair for Dianne Feinstein’s successful campaigns to the U.S. Senate. Her later marriage with James Cieslak ended in divorce.

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