Helen Thomas

Helen Amelia Thomas (August 4, 1920 – July 20, 2013) was an American reporter and author, best known for her long tenure as a member of the White House press corps. She covered the White House during the administrations of ten U.S. presidents, starting with John F. Kennedy and ending with Barack Obama. Thomas worked for United Press and United Press International (UPI) for 57 years, first as a correspondent and later as the White House bureau manager. She also served as a columnist for Hearst Newspapers from 2000 to 2010, focusing on national affairs and the White House. In addition, Thomas was the first female officer of the National Press Club, the first female member and president of the White House Correspondents' Association, and the first female member of the Gridiron Club. Throughout her career, she authored six books, including Listen Up, Mr. President: Everything You Always Wanted Your President to Know and Do (2009), which she co-authored with Craig Crawford.