President General

Karen R. Thompson

Karen R. Thompson has become the 43rd President General of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas. A native of Austin, Texas, Mrs. Thompson is only the second President General to hail from Austin in the 120 year history of the DRT. The first was Jane Oliphant Webb (1889-1960). Mrs. Thompson was born during Mrs. Webb’s term in office (1943-1945).

Karen R. Thompson is a 5th generation Austinite and has written many books on Texas and Texas History such as Scenes of American-Austin, Round Rock, Texas – From Cowboys to Computers, and others. She attended the University of Texas at Austin and St. Edward’s University after graduating from Leander High School in 1962. After working more than two decades with the I.R.S., and retiring in 2004, Mrs. Thompson has not slowed down her pace at all.

Mrs. Thompson has been a professional genealogist and teacher for many years and has been active in civic and community affairs. A long-time member of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas and Williamson County Historical Commission, Mrs. Thompson is a founder of Westwood Community School. A Round Rock ISD school plaque in her honor reads, “Dedicated to Karen R. Thompson, historian and preserver of the lessons from the past, in appreciation of her valuable contributions to the schools and community of RRISD. Her attention to the past reflects her devotion to the future.” It is with the spirit of this motto that Mrs. Thompson will lead the DRT through the next two years, well aware of the uncertainty that lays ahead and will meet the challenges that the 120 year old organization faces head-on. Bringing to bear her professionalism and 20 years of experience with I.R.S., her business leadership and civic affairs experience and the tenacity of a proud and patriotic Texan, Mrs. Thompson pledges to continue working closely with the members of the Texas State Senate and the House of Representatives to craft legislation that will maintain the DRT as “custodians” of The Alamo. She is also committed to the DRT’s continued cooperation with the Texas Attorney General and hopes for a speedy conclusion of the year-long inquire into the DRT’s business practices.

For the complete press release, please click on this link: DRT Official Statement 5-16-11.