Our Founder

Richard Gephardt is President and CEO of Gephardt Government Affairs. 

Mr. Gephardt served for 28 years in the United States House of Representatives (from 1977 to 2005), representing Missouri’s 3rd Congressional District, home to his birthplace St. Louis. In his first year in Congress, he was appointed to both the House Ways and Means and Budget Committees.

He was elected to serve as House Democratic Leader for more than 14 years, as House Majority Leader from 1989 to 1995, and Minority Leader from 1995 to 2003. In his role as Leader, Mr. Gephardt emerged as one of the leading strategists of the Democratic Party’s platform and chief architect to landmark reforms in healthcare, pensions, education, energy independence, and trade policy.

Mr. Gephardt began his career in public service in 1968 as a precinct captain for St. Louis’ 14th Ward, and from 1971 to 1976, served as its Alderman. In 1976, he was elected to the Congress, succeeding 24-year incumbent Leonor Sullivan. Mr. Gephardt earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern University in 1962 and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School in 1965.

Mr. Gephardt established an endowment for the Gephardt Institute for Public Service  (now the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement) in 2005. He provides ongoing support and vision for its future. 

Visiting Civic Fellow Isikoff draws student crowds, sparks civic engagement

September 30, 2024
It was my experience at Washington University that really gave me my appreciation for the democratic process.” Michael Isikoff AB ’74 This month, the Gephardt Institute hosted investigative journalist Michael Isikoff AB ’74, a WashU alumnus and Visiting Civic Fellow.  An award-winning journalist and bestselling author who worked as an investigative reporter for The Washington […]

Gephardt fall calendar packed with opportunities to engage and learn

August 29, 2024
The Gephardt Institute has a robust calendar of events and programming this fall to get students engaged.  These events help students learn how they can develop their civic skills, engage with the St. Louis community, and find ways to bring their civic passions and ideas to life. The institute’s programming brings people together and provides […]

Watch: Elliot H. Stein Lecture in Ethics with Dr. Richard Haass

April 3, 2024
On April 1, 2024, as part of our Engage Democracy 2024 Series, the Gephardt Institute hosted Dr. Richard Haass — veteran foreign diplomat and author of “The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens” — for an Elliot H. Stein Lecture in Ethics. About Dr. Haass: Dr. Richard Haass, a veteran diplomat and […]