This executive training program for Republican women was first initiated in 1989 by a handful of Indiana businesswomen looking for a way to increase the number of Republican women involved in the political process. They were concerned that women were not represented in elected and appointed offices at the local, state and federal levels. Judy Singleton and Teresa Lubbers turned to Indiana’s most trusted public official, United States Senator Richard G. Lugar, to help them create the new program. The result was the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series.
Since its inception, the program has been replicated in over 20 states, including Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and California. Hundreds of Republican women have been trained through the Excellence in Public Service Series since 1990 and have been inspired and prepared to seek appointed and/or elected office, or to secure employment in a political capacity. Participants credit the program for their success in the world of government, policy and politics.
Marian Bergeson is an inspiration and role model to Republican women following in her footsteps., a woman whose political career exemplified that goal. She began her political career as a member of the Newport Beach School District Board and also served on the Orange County Board of Supervisors. She went onto become the first woman elected to both the California State Assembly and the State Senate, and served as Secretary of Child Development and Education in Governor Wilson’s cabinet and current serves as a member of the California Transportation Commission in Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s administration. .
The Bergeson Series is a reflection of its namesake, training outstanding Republican women to participate as leaders in government, electoral politics, community organizations, and the private sector.
