Anne Gust, a Remarkable Woman
Today we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. Maggie, a member of the media team, tells us about a special woman in her life: Jerry's wife, Anne.
Something I thought I would never care about in a politician is their spouse. But who you decide to spend your life with, and who decides they can spend the rest of their life with you, says a lot. One of the reasons I love Obama so much is that Michelle is among the coolest chicks on the planet.
I’ve spent some time with Jerry’s wife, Anne Gust, and the same thing can be said about her. If an amazing, independent woman like Anne made the decision to spend her life with Jerry Brown, he must be pretty special.
Gust, who grew up in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., graduated from Stanford University and then University of Michigan Law School. She worked at several law firms before joining Gap Inc. in 1991. She had an incredibly impressive career, serving as their General Counsel and eventually working up to Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President.
Ned, who also works on the campaign, started at Gap as a file clerk and says she wasn’t hierarchical, treating everyone equally regardless of title. “She tells it like it is, and is persuasive. She has a great sense of humor, but can discuss topics seriously. She isn’t judgmental, and can use her sense of humor to lighten up a tense situation."
He continues, "People go to her to seek counsel because they know they will get an honest answer. When coming into a company comprised mostly of men, her strength and passion earned her respect. She spearheaded Gap's social responsibility department and felt strongly about the company behaving ethically - beyond just words on paper."
From my experience, Anne isn’t someone who will just follow in line. She was on the Board of Glide, an amazing San Francisco organization, and volunteered there. She's been a registered Republican, an Independent, and a Democrat. She has her opinions, but is always willing to listen to those of others. I have many impressive women in my life, and after meeting Anne, I'm excited to tack one more on the list. I think every woman should surround herself with other confident, independent women as role models. I’m lucky to be working with Anne.
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I had the pleasure to meet Anne some twenty years ago when I was a volunteer for Jerry at
his home/campaign headquarters, The White Firehouse in S.F.
While I wished Jerry would have popped the question a bit earlier, I knew she was a "keeper"
from day one.
I like her sense of humor and her willingness to share what she thinks.
I'm not exactly sure how it happened but ever since Anne has been around Jerry, he seems
to have mellowed out.
I'm giving Anne a heap of credit for this.
Hey that's Vespa with Anne. Lucky Anne. Glad this mentioned her brilliant sense of humor. It sure came in handy when I worked with her.
I think it's great to learn more about Anne -- the people we choose to spend time with does say a lot about the type of person we are. However, I think you should pay a bit more respect for the highest office in the land. It's obvious that you are fond of President Obama but even if you were not it is important that we always respect the position even if we don't always respect the person filling it. Please don't refer to him so casually in a written piece such as this.
You are doing a great thing, keep up the good work.
Such a loving Dog Mom. A wife to our next Govenor.
I am awaiting November 2010
Jerry Brown Anne Brown Our California is saved!!!
It is no surprise that the wife of a "man of the people" is a "woman of the people." A great "First Lady for California!!!!!!!!!!!
Anne and I shared something - wonderful husbands so I gave her a special gift - a caricature portrait of her husband. She called me instead of sending a note and took the time to share her thoughts and I will never forget that call. The folks at DOJ were blessed to have her input in building a strong organization - one that's built on integrity and ethics. We love you Anne!
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