FLORENCE – Ann Berry, the first African American to serve as secretary of the U.S. Senate, was honored by the State of Alabama with a portrait unveiled this week in the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery.
Berry, a 1978 graduate of the University of North Alabama, served as the 34th secretary of the Senate from March 1, 2021, to Jan. 3, 2025. She is only the eighth woman to hold the office. The secretary of the Senate is an elected officer responsible for an extensive array of offices and services to expedite the day-to-day operations of the U.S. Senate.
“This is an exceptional honor for Mrs. Berry and highlights the incredible opportunities that await UNA graduates as they enter the workforce,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “Her portrait in the State Archives is a testament to her life as well as the role the University of North Alabama played in helping her achieve her goals and in serving as the Secretary of the United States Senate.”
Berry first came to the Senate in 1979 and served 18 years on Sen. Howell Heflin’s staff. After Heflin, of Tuscumbia, retired, Berry worked for Sens. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, John Edwards, and Tom Carper.
She also led the transition team for Sen. Doug Jones, and, most recently, served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to Senate President Pro Tempore Patrick Leahy, who administered her oath of office as the secretary.
Berry grew up in Birmingham and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in education from UNA. She is also an alumna of the Georgetown University Senior Executive Leadership Program.
In addition to Berry’s portrait, a portrait of Steve Alpert, fine artist, television producer, theater producer, and writer, was also unveiled as part of the ceremony.
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