ABC News Correspondent Ann Compton Headlines Speakers Series

Ann Compton, one of Washington’s most respected journalists, was featured at the Foundation’s Michele Kay Distinguished Speakers Series on Thurs., Feb. 27, 2014. In addition to covering seven White House administrations, she has covered 10 presidential campaigns, been a panelist on presidential debates and has traveled to all 50 states and six continents with presidents, vice presidents and first ladies. Among the many honors Compton has earned is an Emmy for her coverage as the only broadcast reporter onboard Air Force One on 9/11.  She has been inducted into five Halls of Fame, is the recipient of five honorary university degrees and served as president of the White House Correspondents Association.

Most recently, the Washington Press Club Foundation (WPCF) awarded Ann Compton its 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented at the 70th Annual Congressional Dinner on Feb. 5, 2014 in Washington, D.C. The WPCF was founded in 1919 to ensure that women established an equal place in the newsroom.

Compton and Austin American-Statesman columnist Ken Herman pulled back the curtain on the White House news operation for 125 guests at the speakers series dinner. The rapt audience found the peek backstage riveting.

Compton gave a white-knuckle account of her flight across the country on Air Force One on Sept. 11, 2001.  Compton was part of the coverage pool that day and accompanied President George W. Bush during the uncertain hours after the World Trade Center attack, and she credited chief of staff Andrew Card and spokesman Ari Fleischer for making sure that reporters made the trip from Florida to a Nebraska air force base and back to Washington, D.C.

To watch the full presentation, activate the video below. To learn more about the Michele Kay Distinguished Speakers Series and view photos from the event, click here.