Olene Walker

Women in Public Service » Politics

Utah’s first and only woman governor. Prior to becoming governor, Walker served ten years as Lieutenant Governor of Utah and eight years as a member of the state legislature (including a term as majority whip). Walker is a champion of children’s literacy and was the founder and director of the Salt Lake Education Foundation. She also directed the Utah Division of Community Development. In honor of her service, the State of Utah created the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund, which provides for and protects affordable housing for low-income residents throughout the state.