Spain, Jayne (1927–)

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Spain, Jayne (1927–)

American manufacturer and reformer. Name variations: Mrs. John A. Spain. Born Jayne Baker, Mar 28, 1927, in San Francisco, California; dau. of Lawrence I. Baker (businessman) and Marguerite (Buchanan) Baker (died 1984); attended University of California, 1944–47, and University of Cincinnati, 1947–50; Edgecliff College in Cincinnati, LLD, 1969; m. John Spain (b. 1923, lawyer), July 14, 1951; children: Jeffry Alan (b. 1953, physician); Jon Kimberly (b. 1955, business manager).

Inherited a controlling interest in Alvey-Ferguson, manufacturer of conveyor systems (1950); turned Alvey-Ferguson into a model of employee involvement and opportunity for handicapped workers, especially the blind; traveled worldwide promoting employment of handicapped, women's rights, and American business practices; appointed vice-chair of the President's Civil Service Commission by President Richard Nixon (1971); was executive professor in residence at George Washington University (1980s); often named one of the Fifty Most Influential Women in America.

See also Women in World History.