Great-granddaughter of builders. Daughter of Thomas S. and Mary Elizabeth (Robertson) Sutherland. First woman vice president of student body, University of Texas. Married Leslie Carpenter; has 2 children. In 1954 was president Women's National Press Club. First woman ever to serve as Executive Assistant to the Vice President of the United States, 1961. First newswoman to be staff director and Press Secretary to a First Lady, Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson. Outstanding Women of Texas Series, 1967.