Early Life
Martha Robinson Rivers Ingram was born on August 20, 1935, in Charleston, South Carolina. She graduated from Ashley Hall School in Charleston and then attended Vassar College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1957.
Rise to Success
In 1979, Martha was appointed as the director of public affairs at Ingram Industries by her husband. After the death of her husband, E. Bronson Ingram, in 1995, Martha Ingram became chairman and CEO of Ingram Industries. She oversaw significant growth in the company. She stepped down as chairman in 2008.
Key Business Strategies
Under Martha Ingram's leadership, Ingram Industries saw key decisions, including the spin-off of Ingram Micro in 1996. She focused on maintaining the company's operations, including Ingram Book Group, Ingram Marine Group, and Ingram Insurance Group.
Philanthropy
Martha Ingram is known for her extensive philanthropy, especially in education and the arts. She co-founded the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and has made significant contributions to Vanderbilt University, including the Ingram Scholars Program. She served as the first female chair of Vanderbilt's Board of Trust from 1999 to 2011.