Vera Whisenton received her bachelor’s degree from Spelman College in Atlanta in 1964 and went on to pursue a master’s in library science from Atlanta University in 1965. Her vigorous career spanned 42 years, which included serving in influential positions such as the Director of Administrative Services in the Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Library Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Director of Library and Research Services with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Executive Office of the President, and the Head of the Cataloging Unit of University Library at the University of the District of Columbia.

Upon retirement, she has held board positions for a variety of organizations, including the Civil Rights Committee of the Carolina Theatre of Durham, the Friends of Geer Cemetery Board, the Durham Central Park Board, and her role on the Consortium’s Board. Her goal is to assist with creating, managing, fund raising and perpetuating projects in civil rights, historical perspectives and preservation, and other community programs.