In Washington, Hope's friends and acquaintancessaid they thought she would be as successful aCorporation member as she has been a lawyer andpolitical figure.

Hope, who was the first woman member of her lawfirm's executive committee, has held a slew ofpolitical posts. A well-connected Republican, Hopeserved in the Ford Administration and was generalcounsel to the 1988 presidential campaign of Sen.Robert Dole (R-Kan.).

She is intelligent, forthright, sophisticated,and at the same time very down to earth," saidJames Cannon, who served with her in the FordAdministration. "Her success dramatizes what awoman can do if she has ability and courage."

And a spokesperson for her law firm'sWashington branch said "we're thrilled and excitedfor Judy. It's a wonderful mark of heraccomplishments."

Hope called the process by which she wasselected "mysterious," and said that she did noteven know she was a candidate until three or fourmonths into the search.

She said she heard from the Corporation Sundaythat she had been appointed