Martha S. Pope holds a unique distinction in Senate history. Not only was she the first woman to serve as sergeant at arms, she remains the only individual to serve as both sergeant at arms and secretary of the Senate. Pope began her professional career as an art instructor. In 1975 she switched to politics, joining the staff of Colorado senator Gary Hart. After a stint with the National Wildlife Federation from 1977 to 1979, Pope returned to Capitol Hill to serve on the staff of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. In 1985 she became legislative director and then administrative assistant for Senator George Mitchell. When Senator Mitchell became majority leader in 1989, Pope became his chief of staff. In 1991 Pope made history with her election as sergeant at arms and was subsequently elected as secretary of the Senate in 1994. Leaving the Senate in 1995, Pope assisted George Mitchell in his role as special advisor to President Bill Clinton on matters related to Ireland, efforts that resulted in the historic Good Friday Agreement of 1998. After her many years in public service, Pope returned to her first love. She is an accomplished landscape artist.
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