Ann Gardner, former editorial page editor of the Lawrence Journal-World, is a native Kansan, who was raised in Wichita and McPherson before coming to Lawrence to attend the University of Kansas and complete a degree in journalism. She worked at the Parsons Sun for about a year and a half before joining the Journal-World staff in 1977. After stints as a reporter, features editor and the Sunday editor, she took over as editorial page editor in 1987 and held that position until 2016.

Ann’s community involvement has included serving as board chair and drive chair for United Way of Douglas County, board chair of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and chair of Leadership Lawrence. She had a previous term as president of the Douglas County Historical Society board and has continued to work as a volunteer, doing research and text for a number of third-floor exhibits in Watkins Museum.