Carolyn Lewis Gallagher, Chairman of the Board of Governors, is an Austin, Texas, businesswoman with a strong private and public sector background. She currently is an investor and advisor to several businesses, having garnered 20 years experience in acquiring and growing companies.

She was named a Governor of the U.S. Postal Service by President George W. Bush through a recess appointment on November 3, 2004. She was confirmed by the Senate in June 2005. She was Vice Chairman from January 2008 to January 2009.

Governor Gallagher is a Director of Home Therapy Specialists, Inc., a provider of home health care services. She is former President and Chief Executive Officer of Texwood Furniture, Inc., a leading U.S. manufacturer of educational furniture located in Taylor, Texas. She purchased the company in 1988. After leading it through twelve years of growth and profitability, she sold Texwood to Sagus International in 2000. She is also a former Trustee and Board Chair, Texas Employees’ Retirement System.

Governor Gallagher earned her undergraduate degree from Duke University in 1976 and a Master's in Business Administration from the Harvard Business School in 1982. She has been a community leader in Austin, Texas, for many years, chairing numerous non-profit boards.

Governor Gallagher is currently Chairman of the Board of the Long Center for the Performing Arts. She is also on the Board of the Austin Community foundation and Westminster Manor. She is an active member of the World Presidents' Organization.

President Bush also appointed her in 2003 to serve on the President's Commission on the United States Postal Service, which was charged to explore ways to modernize this venerable institution. The Commission submitted its report, "Embracing The Future," in July 31, 2003, and it became the basis of legislation that came before the second session of the 108th Congress.

April 2009