Jody Powell

Joseph Lester "Jody" Powell, Jr. (1943-2009) was a political advisor, public relations executive and dedicated battlefield preservation advocate who lent his considerable communications expertise to efforts to protect America's historic battlefields. A member of the Civil War Trust's Board of Trustees, Powell played an important role in several high-profile preservation campaigns.

Born in Cordele, Georgia, Powell became a close advisor to Jimmy Carter during his political career, serving as press secretary during Carter's tenure as governor of Georgia and throughout his presidency from 1977 to 1981. Following his White House service, Powell co-founded the Washington, D.C.-based public relations firm Powell Tate with Sheila Tate in 1991.

Powell was also deeply interested in Civil War history. In 1990, he lent his distinctive voice to Ken Burns' acclaimed PBS documentary series The Civil War, providing readings for several Confederate figures, including Generals Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, John B. Gordon and Nathan Bedford Forrest.

A passionate advocate for historic preservation, Powell was among the leaders of the successful national campaign to prevent construction of a proposed Disney theme park near Manassas Battlefield in the mid-1990s. He also contributed his media expertise to preservation efforts at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, including opposition to proposed development at Chancellorsville and a casino near Gettysburg.

Powell died on September 14, 2009, at age 65. His contributions to battlefield preservation demonstrated the importance of public advocacy and effective communications in protecting America's historic landscapes.

READ Jody Powell's Obituary in The Washington Post (9/15/2009)