Ivy Baker Priest

Ivy Baker Priest (June 6, 1905 – June 24, 1994) was an American Republican politician who achieved prominence as the first woman to serve as Treasurer of the United States, holding the position from 1953 to 1961 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Born in Kimberley, Utah, Priest was politically active from an early age, serving in the Utah House of Representatives before gaining national prominence. As Treasurer, she was responsible for managing the nation's currency and overseeing the U.S. Mint, making her one of the highest-ranking female officials in the federal government at the time. Her appointment was considered groundbreaking, and she brought competence and dedication to the role during the height of the Cold War era. Beyond her tenure as Treasurer, Priest was a respected figure in Republican politics and remained active in public service throughout her career. Her legacy as a pioneering woman in high government office helped pave the way for greater female representation in executive branches of government.