LONGTIME UDALL FOUNDATION CHAIR TO STEP DOWN
Posted: 10/19/2011
Tucson—Terrence L. Bracy, who has chaired the Udall Foundation board of trustees for 17 years, will step down from that role at the end of October 2011. Bracy has led the board of the independent federal agency from its inception in late 1994 to the important government role it plays today.
The Foundation was established by the U.S. Congress in 1992 to honor the 30-year legacy of public service by Congressman Morris K. Udall and expanded in 2009 to honor Former Interior Secretary Stewart L. Udall. The Foundation is governed by a board of trustees whose members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Bracy was elected chair at the first meeting of the board in October 1994 and has remained chair throughout his three terms on the board.
“Terry’s dedicated service has been critical to advancing the tremendous legacies of Mo and Stewart Udall,” said Senator John McCain of Arizona. “I wish him the best.”
“Terry served many years to make sure the Udall legacy would be enshrined in the national consciousness, not just today but in the future,” said Congressman Raúl Grijalva of Arizona. “He has the sincere thanks of all of us who know how important the Udall Foundation and its work are to this country. I was happy to work with him, and he will be missed.”
Ellen Wheeler, executive director of the Udall Foundation notes, “Terry was instrumental in developing and advancing the programs of the Foundation. The Udall Foundation would not be the organization it is today without his involvement. Long after he steps down, Terry’s presence will continue to be felt throughout our programs.”
Bracy served as an aide to Congressman Mo Udall from 1966–1976. He also worked on Congressman Udall's presidential campaign in 1976. In 1994, Bracy was appointed by President Bill Clinton to the board of trustees. He was reappointed by President Clinton in 1998, and by President George W. Bush in 2006. Bracy led the Foundation in creating the Udall Scholarship, which had its first class of scholarship recipients in 1995. Under his leadership, the Foundation also created the Native American Congressional Internship on Capitol Hill, cofounded the Native Nations Institute, and accepted from Congress the stewardship of the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution.
“Terry Bracy is the closest thing to an irreplaceable person that an institution could have,” says Anne J. Udall, vice chair of the board of the Udall Foundation. “Everyone knows the key role Terry has played in helping to build the Foundation from the ground up.”
Bracy helped spearhead the addition of Stewart Udall to the Udall Foundation, a move that recognized a stellar public servant and helped to permanently solidify the Udall legacy within the federal government. “Bracy has left an indelible mark on our work at the Foundation,”” said Eric Eberhard, longtime member of the board.
"It was a difficult decision to not seek an additional term on the board of the Udall Foundation,” said Terry Bracy. “Playing a role in creating and growing this institution has been one of the greatest personal and professional joys of my career. That said, I have every confidence that our staff and our board will continue pushing our mission forward, and I look forward to playing an appropriate ongoing role with the Foundation.”
In 1964, Bracy received his undergraduate degree from St. Louis University. He received his graduate degree in political science from the University of Arizona. Bracy currently serves as the chief executive officer of Bracy Tucker Brown & Valanzano, a consultancy firm in Washington, D.C. Early in his career, Bracy was news editor at the NBC affiliate in Tucson, Ariz. He also taught courses in American government at the University of Arizona. In January 1977, President Jimmy Carter appointed Bracy to the post of assistant secretary of transportation. In that capacity, he acted as the U.S. Department of Transportation's liaison to Congress, the White House, governors and mayors, and the press. He led successful efforts to place the first user fee on the nation's waterway system and implemented measures by Congress for higher mileage standards and airbags.
“Bracy has devoted countless hours as chair,” Wheeler said. “The board, staff, and alumni will always be grateful for all he has given to the Udall Foundation,” she said.
There will be a dinner to honor Bracy and his distinguished service to the Udall Foundation on Thursday, October 27, 2011, in Tucson, Ariz. Bill Bradley, former three-term U.S. Senator from New Jersey and 2000 Presidential candidate, is the keynote speaker at the dinner. “Terry Bracy is a true master of the legislative process. He is smart, intuitive, trustworthy, knows his business, and he really cares about the mission of the Udall Foundation,” said Senator Bill Bradley.
For details about the dinner, please call 520.901.8500 or email Theresa Fernandez at fernandez@udall.gov.
For additional information about this release, please contact Libby Washburn at 651.343.4660 or washburn@udall.gov.
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