Gilmer Free Press
Glenville Native Named Top 45 Admired Republican Women under 45
Jessica Echard, Age 30, a native of Glenville, West Virginia, is the former Executive Director of Eagle Forum, one of the nation’s most prominent social conservative organizations.
She was with the group for five years, served as Phyllis Schlafly’s top aide, and was in the forefront of every judicial battle.
Echard received the prestigious 2008 Ronald Reagan Award from the Conservative Political Action Conference, which includes a $10,000 cash stipend.
The award was made in recognition of her efforts to stop illegal immigration, and she was the sparkplug behind an ad hoc coalition of pro-family groups who worked on immigration issues.
Echard said “Defeating the Senate amnesty bill was a tremendous victory for grassroots Americans and I was thrilled to be a part of it. The conservative movement is strongest when we stick to principles and stand up for the grassroots.
“That is what we did and we won.” She also received the Distinguished Service Award which was presented by then Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) for her efforts to confirm the Bush Administration’s judicial nominees.
She will receive her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health from Regent University in August 2012. She has an extensive background working with those suffering from substance abuse.
Her patients are “searching for relief from the pain of addictions, trauma, relationship issues, self-doubt, and many other circumstances we face as part of being human.”
Echard is also a fitness guru and has taken many boxing classes.