Ann Peoples

Ann Peoples, an American anthropologist and business manager, was the first American woman to serve in a significant leadership role in Antarctica when she was appointed manager of the Berg Field Center at the McMurdo Station in 1986. She went on to manage Palmer Station from 1991 to 1995.

Peoples studied anthropology at Wheaton College, Massachusetts, graduating in 1979. From 1981, she worked for the United States Antarctic Research Program (USARP) for 14 years, initially as a driver. After her work in Antarctica, Peoples worked as Deputy Program Director for chemical weapons demilitarization at Johnston Atoll, Hawaii where she became the first woman to receive the Commander's Award for Public Service. She then returned to California where she studied at the University of California, Irvine, where she earned an MBA in 2003. She then joined Thomson Advisors, Virginia, specializing in management consulting services.