Jackie Autry | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jacqueline Evelyn Ellam (1941-10-02)October 2, 1941 (age 84) Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Banker |
| Known for | Former owner of theLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim and former HonoraryAmerican League President (2000–2015) |
| Spouse | |
Jackie Autry (bornJacqueline Evelyn Ellam; October 2, 1941[1][2]) is the widow of award-winning entertainer and businessman, Gene Autry.
Autry was born on October 2, 1941 inNewark, New Jersey.[1]
Autry started her career as a switchboard operator for Security National Bank. By age 24, Autry became an assistant manager of Operations. By age 30, Autry she was promoted to manager. By age 32, Autry became a vice president at the bank.[1]
Autry served as the honorary president ofMajor League Baseball'sAmerican League, from 2000 until 2015. Her main task was to present theAmerican League Championship Award, theWilliam Harridge Trophy, to the champion at the end of the ALCS as well as the ALCS MVP award. Autry is the only woman to ever serve on the Major League Baseball Executive Council, on its oversight committee, and as a member of the MLB board of directors.
Autry served as past-president of theAmerican Red Cross, was responsible as president for raising funds to build an independent Community Blood Bank at the Eisenhower Medical Center and served as its president for many years. The blood bank continues to serve seven area hospitals surrounding the Palm Springs area.
She continues to serve on the board of trustees at Eisenhower Medical Center and is the longest-tenured trustee, having served since 1981. She is also a current member of the board of directors of the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center.
She served as president of the Gene Autry Music Group, which housed four publishing companies, until its sale to Warner Chappell in 2020.
She is President of The Autry Foundation, which was established by Ina and Gene Autry. The Autry Foundation provided the funds to build a world class western history museum contiguous to the Los Angeles Zoo. The 148,000 sq ft (13,700 m2) museum, now called the Autry Museum of the American West and includes the Southwest Museum of the American Indian, and the Institute for the Study of the American West. After 13 years she retired as board chairman and now holds the position of chairman Emeritus and Lifetime Director.
She is vice chairman of Aerospace Technologies Group/ATGGroup, which makes shades for corporate and commercial jets, in which she is the majority stock holder.
Now in semi-retirement, she handles investment portfolios, continues to attend Angels baseball games and enjoys traveling. She has a home in the desert.