Carla Anderson Hills, American lawyer and politician, 5th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Carla Anderson Hills, born on January 3, 1934, is an exceptionally distinguished American lawyer and influential public figure whose career has significantly impacted U.S. governance and policy. An alumna of Stanford University and Yale Law School, Hills began her legal career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, later serving as Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division. A lifelong member of the Republican Party, she is widely recognized for breaking barriers through her high-profile appointments in two different presidential administrations.

Pioneering Leadership at HUD

From 1975 to 1977, Carla Hills served as the 5th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under President Gerald Ford. Her appointment came at a critical juncture for the nation, following the Watergate scandal and amidst a period of economic uncertainty. As Secretary, Hills was tasked with overseeing federal housing policy, urban development programs, and community planning initiatives aimed at improving living conditions and revitalizing urban areas. During her tenure, she focused on ensuring the availability of affordable housing and managing federal responses to urban challenges. This role marked a historic milestone as Hills became the first woman to hold the prestigious position of HUD Secretary, demonstrating her capacity for leadership in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Shaping Global Trade Policy as USTR

Years later, from 1989 to 1993, Hills continued her impactful public service as the 10th United States Trade Representative (USTR) in President George H.W. Bush's administration. In this pivotal role, she was the nation’s chief trade negotiator, responsible for formulating and implementing U.S. trade policy and representing American interests on the global stage. Her tenure as USTR was highly significant, marked by complex international negotiations. Notably, she played a crucial role in advancing the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations, which ultimately led to the creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995, a foundational institution for global trade. Hills also championed the initial negotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a landmark pact designed to eliminate most tariffs and trade barriers between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Her work in this capacity solidified her reputation as a formidable negotiator and a key architect of modern global trade frameworks.

A Trailblazer for Women in Government

Carla Anderson Hills' career is particularly noteworthy for her groundbreaking achievements as a woman in American politics. Beyond being the first woman to serve as HUD Secretary and USTR, she holds the distinction of being the third female ever to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet. The first woman to achieve this was Frances Perkins, who served as Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1945. She was followed by Oveta Culp Hobby, who became the first Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953. Hills’ appointments not only showcased her exceptional capabilities but also significantly paved the way for future generations of women seeking high-level government positions, underscoring her enduring legacy as a true pioneer in American public service.

Frequently Asked Questions about Carla Anderson Hills

Who is Carla Anderson Hills?
Carla Anderson Hills is a distinguished American lawyer and public figure, widely recognized for her pioneering service as the first woman to hold the positions of U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and U.S. Trade Representative.
What were Carla Hills' major government roles?
She served as the 5th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Ford administration (1975-1977) and as the 10th United States Trade Representative in the Bush administration (1989-1993).
Why is Carla Hills considered a trailblazer for women in politics?
Carla Hills was the first woman appointed to lead both the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Moreover, she holds the distinction of being the third woman in U.S. history to hold a cabinet-level position, following Frances Perkins and Oveta Culp Hobby.
What key trade initiatives did Carla Hills work on as U.S. Trade Representative?
As USTR, Carla Hills played a critical role in advancing the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations, which led to the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO). She also spearheaded initial discussions for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).