Martha Richards Is Leaving Behind a Sterling Legacy at the Miller Foundation

With her upcoming retirement, she’s passing the baton to a new executive director, Carrie Hoops.

Martha Richards
By Bennett Campbell Ferguson

Age: 67

Occupation: Executive director of the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation

Why She Matters: When Martha Richards announced she was retiring by the end of the year, it marked the end of a sterling era. As executive director of the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, she has directed almost $110 Million to more than 500 arts and education organizations (in addition to offering smart management advice), showing a philanthropic ferocity that belies her mild-mannered personality. The Miller Foundation has already announced a successor, Carrie Hoops (formerly of William Temple House), but we’re including Richards on this list in honor of her 14 years of service to the foundation.

Biggest Influence: One of Richards’ best friends was former Literary Arts executive director Julie Mancini, who died last August. “She was a mentor to lots of people, and I’ve always admired that,” Richards says.

Greatest Personal Achievement: “I raised two wonderful children with my husband.”

Favorite Guilty Pleasure: “I really like to read science fiction.”

Best Quote About Her: “Martha was the first E.D. of the Miller Foundation whose expertise required her to translate a vision and eager commitment along with funding for the support of arts and education. While history can speak for itself, the Miller Foundation has become a well-respected organization of accomplishment toward established goals in these areas of influence.” —Karen Whitman, community arts leader

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.