Vera Bradley co-founder Patricia Miller to retire

Home Textiles Today Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/1/2012 10:55:20 AM

Fort Wayne, Ind. - Vera Bradley co-founder, Patricia R. Miller, will retire from the business she and Barbara Bradley Baekgaard started more than 30 years ago.

Miller will continue to serve as a member of the Vera Bradley Board of Directors and on the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Board, and Baekgaard will continue her role as Vera Bradley's chief creative officer.
Vera Bradley is a thriving enterprise today because of a friendship that spans several decade," said Mike Ray, ceo, Vera Bradley, in a statement. "Pat's business skills paired with Barb's creative talents were the perfect combination to successfully launch this company in 1982. The solid foundation and positive culture that Pat helped build will certainly live on at Vera Bradley. We wish her the best as she starts another chapter and look forward to her ongoing contribution as a member of our Board."

In addition to her service on the Vera Bradley boards, Miller is also a board member of the Indiana University Foundation, Indiana University Varsity Club and a founding member of the Indiana University Women's Philanthropy Council. In 2005, she served as Indiana's first Secretary of Commerce and as president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

"Barbara and I decided to enter the world of women's bags and accessories 30 years ago," said Miller. "With an idea and a vision, Vera Bradley became a reality. Today, thanks to loyal customers, dedicated employees, sound management and a strong Board of Directors, that small beginning has grown into a publicly traded, internationally recognized brand. It's the American dream, and we're fortunate to be living it."